Salem State University vs. RIC

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Rhode Island College in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than RIC based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 6,155 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Rhode Island College is in Providence, RI (Large Suburban setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rhode Island College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Rhode Island College 15:1.

Salem State University vs. RIC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or RIC? 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 Rhode Island College than Salem State University ($10,346 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rhode Island College are 20.3% lower than at Salem State University ($13,414 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 9.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than RIC (about $1,038 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $11,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.8% higher at RIC than at Salem State University (about $7,768 more per year; $27,299.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Rhode Island College (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 53.9% larger than aid received by Rhode Island College students ($10,319 vs. $6,706).

Salem State University vs. RIC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 80 points higher than at RIC (1000).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Rhode Island College 870/1120.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; RIC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; RIC Mar 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Salem State University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at RIC (3.08).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than RIC (91.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 23.1% at RIC.

Salem State University vs. RIC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Rhode Island College's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than RIC graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rhode Island College graduates have a $2,800 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($21,200 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, RIC graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($219 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former RIC students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 59%)

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.