Salem State University vs. Penn State Scranton

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Penn State Scranton in Dunmore, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than Penn State Scranton based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 800 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Penn State Scranton is in Dunmore, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Scranton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Penn State Scranton 11:1.

Salem State University vs. Penn State Scranton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Penn State Scranton? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Penn State Scranton than Salem State University ($17,536 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Scranton are 9.3% lower than at Salem State University ($15,274 vs. $16,838).
• Penn State Scranton is 23.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $2,870 more per year; $15,208.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30% higher at Penn State Scranton than at Salem State University (about $5,861 more per year; $25,392.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Penn State Scranton (98% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 2.3% larger than aid received by Penn State Scranton students ($10,319 vs. $10,089).

Salem State University vs. Penn State Scranton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem State University or Penn State Scranton? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Penn State Scranton and Salem State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Penn State Scranton (1190) is 110 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Penn State Scranton 1100/1270.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Penn State Scranton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Penn State Scranton has a higher acceptance rate (98.5%) than Salem State University (95.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 8.6% at Penn State Scranton.

Salem State University vs. Penn State Scranton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Penn State Scranton? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Penn State Scranton's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Penn State Scranton earn a median of about $10,900 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $2,818 lower median loan debt than Penn State Scranton graduates ($24,000 vs. $26,818).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn State Scranton graduates ($248 vs. $277).
• More Penn State Scranton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.