Salem State University vs. SFASU

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Stephen F Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Stephen F Austin State University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (10,472 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Stephen F Austin State University is in Nacogdoches, TX (Rural Fringe setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephen F Austin State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Stephen F Austin State University 16:1.

Salem State University vs. SFASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or SFASU? 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 Stephen F Austin State University than Salem State University ($14,959 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stephen F Austin State University are 21.9% lower than at Salem State University ($13,144 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 10.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than SFASU (about $1,210 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $11,128.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.9% higher at SFASU than at Salem State University (about $3,895 more per year; $23,426.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Stephen F Austin State University (98% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stephen F Austin State University students is 3.6% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($10,694 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. SFASU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 10 points higher than at SFASU (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Stephen F Austin State University 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsStephen F Austin State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; SFASU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SFASU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than SFASU (94%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 17.1% at SFASU.

Salem State University vs. SFASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Stephen F Austin State University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Stephen F Austin State University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than SFASU graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SFASU graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SFASU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 52%)

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.