Salem State University vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Saginaw Valley State University in University Center, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saginaw Valley State University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (6,822 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

Salem State University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Saginaw Valley State University? 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 Saginaw Valley State University than Salem State University ($11,546 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saginaw Valley State University are 26.7% lower than at Salem State University ($12,340 vs. $16,838).
• Saginaw Valley State University is 4.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $592 more per year; $12,930.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.9% higher at Saginaw Valley State University than at Salem State University (about $10,919 more per year; $30,450.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University as at Saginaw Valley State University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students is 30.9% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($13,512 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 30 points higher than at Saginaw Valley State University (1050).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSaginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Saginaw Valley State University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Saginaw Valley State University (72.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 16% at Saginaw Valley State University.

Salem State University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Saginaw Valley State University? 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 Saginaw Valley State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Saginaw Valley State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $41,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($24,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saginaw Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 48%)

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.