Salem State University vs. UMass Dartmouth

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in North Dartmouth, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (7,968 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 Massachusetts Dartmouth is in North Dartmouth, MA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 16:1.

Salem State University vs. UMass Dartmouth Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or UMass Dartmouth? 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 UMass Dartmouth ($17,541 vs. $21,094).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem State University are 9.3% lower than at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth ($16,838 vs. $18,566).
• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is 26.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $3,274 more per year; $15,612.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66.7% higher at UMass Dartmouth than at Salem State University (about $13,036 more per year; $32,567.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Massachusetts Dartmouth students is 13% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($11,658 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. UMass Dartmouth Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (1160) is 80 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; University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 1050/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of Massachusetts Dartmouth 26/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; UMass Dartmouth - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UMass Dartmouth students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than UMass Dartmouth (90.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 13.5% at UMass Dartmouth.

Salem State University vs. UMass Dartmouth Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and UMass Dartmouth? 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 Massachusetts Dartmouth's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from University of Massachusetts Dartmouth earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $1,760 lower median loan debt than UMass Dartmouth graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,760).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UMass Dartmouth graduates ($248 vs. $266).
• More UMass Dartmouth graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.