Salem State University vs. University of South Carolina-Upstate

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than University of South Carolina-Upstate based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 4,916 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); University of South Carolina Upstate is in Spartanburg, SC (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Upstate is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; University of South Carolina Upstate 15:1.

Salem State University vs. University of South Carolina-Upstate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or University of South Carolina-Upstate? 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 South Carolina Upstate than Salem State University ($13,999 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Upstate are 37.4% lower than at Salem State University ($10,533 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 6.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of South Carolina-Upstate (about $750 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $11,588.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.2% higher at University of South Carolina-Upstate than at Salem State University (about $3,559 more per year; $23,090.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at University of South Carolina Upstate (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of South Carolina Upstate students is 3.9% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($10,719 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. University of South Carolina-Upstate Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem State University or University of South Carolina-Upstate? 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 University of South Carolina-Upstate and Salem State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Upstate (1090) is 10 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 South Carolina Upstate 1005/1175.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of South Carolina Upstate 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; University of South Carolina-Upstate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Salem State University students have a 0.64 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at University of South Carolina-Upstate (2.53).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than University of South Carolina-Upstate (67.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 24% at University of South Carolina-Upstate.

Salem State University vs. University of South Carolina-Upstate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and University of South Carolina-Upstate? 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 University of South Carolina Upstate's (39%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $39,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Carolina Upstate graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($232 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Carolina-Upstate students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 55%)

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.