Salem State University vs. Peru State College

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Peru State College in Peru, NE on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than Peru State College based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 1,492 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Peru State College is in Peru, NE (Distant Rural setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Peru State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Peru State College 17:1.

Salem State University vs. Peru State College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Peru State College? 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 Peru State College than Salem State University ($11,915 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Peru State College are 37.9% lower than at Salem State University ($10,464 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 42.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Peru State College (about $3,698 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $8,640.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 126.1% higher at Salem State University than at Peru State College (about $10,891 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $8,640.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University as at Peru State College (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Peru State College students is 0.4% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($10,363 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Peru State College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem State University or Peru State College? 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 Peru State College and Salem State University.

• Peru State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Peru State College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.

Salem State University vs. Peru State College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Peru State College? 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).

• Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Peru State College's (26%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Peru State College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Peru State College graduates have a $3,025 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($20,975 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Peru State College graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($216 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Peru State College students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 55%)

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.