Salem State University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with University of California Merced in Merced, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of California Merced is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Salem State University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or UC Merced? 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 University of California Merced than Salem State University ($13,690 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem State University are 21.5% lower than at University of California Merced ($16,838 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 26.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $3,285 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 155.1% higher at UC Merced than at Salem State University (about $30,292 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at University of California Merced (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 164.5% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($27,292 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 30 points higher than at UC Merced (1050).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UC Merced students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than UC Merced (90.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

Salem State University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• University of California Merced's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Merced graduates have a $4,101 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($19,899 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($205 vs. $248).
• More UC Merced graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.