Salem State University vs. RU

Comparable Facts

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

Radford University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Radford University is in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Radford University 14:1.

Salem State University vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or RU? 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 Radford University than Salem State University ($16,749 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Radford University are 25.7% lower than at Salem State University ($12,504 vs. $16,838).
• Radford University is 1.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $210 more per year; $12,548.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.2% higher at RU than at Salem State University (about $6,102 more per year; $25,633.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Radford University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Radford University students is 15% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($11,870 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. RU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 30 points higher than at RU (1050).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRadford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; RU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than RU (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 14.4% at RU.

Salem State University vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Radford University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Radford University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($23,000 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, RU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($237 vs. $248).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.