Salem State University vs. Purdue Northwest

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Purdue University Northwest in Hammond, Indiana on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Purdue University Northwest is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (9,051 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Purdue University Northwest is in Hammond, Indiana (Large Suburban setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Purdue University Northwest is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Purdue University Northwest 17:1.

Salem State University vs. Purdue Northwest Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Purdue Northwest? 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 Purdue University Northwest than Salem State University ($7,916 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Purdue University Northwest are 47.1% lower than at Salem State University ($8,907 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 42.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purdue Northwest (about $3,663 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $8,675.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.4% higher at Salem State University than at Purdue University Northwest (about $3,437 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $16,094.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Purdue University Northwest (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 47.6% larger than aid received by Purdue University Northwest students ($10,319 vs. $6,992).

Salem State University vs. Purdue Northwest Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem State University or Purdue Northwest? 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 Purdue Northwest and Salem State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 60 points higher than at Purdue Northwest (1020).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Purdue University Northwest 890/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsPurdue University Northwest 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Purdue Northwest - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; Purdue Northwest Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Purdue Northwest students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.19) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Purdue Northwest (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 18.3% at Purdue Northwest.

Salem State University vs. Purdue Northwest Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Purdue Northwest? 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).

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.