Salem State University vs. Suffolk University

Comparable Facts

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

Suffolk University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Suffolk University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Suffolk University 15:1.

Salem State University vs. Suffolk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Suffolk 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 Salem State University than Suffolk University ($17,541 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem State University are 21% lower than at Suffolk University ($16,838 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 285.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $35,212 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 143.5% higher at Suffolk University than at Salem State University (about $28,019 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University as at Suffolk University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 205.8% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($31,558 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Suffolk University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Suffolk University (1200) is 120 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Suffolk University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSuffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Suffolk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Suffolk University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Suffolk University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 10.9% at Suffolk University.

Salem State University vs. Suffolk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Suffolk 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).

• Suffolk University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $14,700 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Suffolk 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 Suffolk University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Suffolk University 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.