Salem State University vs. Western New England University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Western New England University in Springfield, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than Western New England University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 3,674 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Salem State University vs. Western New England University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Western New England 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 Western New England University ($17,541 vs. $27,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western New England University are 7.5% lower than at Salem State University ($15,570 vs. $16,838).
• Western New England University is 287.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $35,482 more per year; $47,820.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 144.8% higher at Western New England University than at Salem State University (about $28,289 more per year; $47,820.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Western New England University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western New England University students is 220.4% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($33,067 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Western New England University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem State University or Western New England 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 Western New England University and Salem State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western New England 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; Western New England University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern New England University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Western New England University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western New England University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Western New England University (83.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 12.5% at Western New England University.

Salem State University vs. Western New England University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Western New England 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).

• Western New England University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Western New England University earn a median of about $15,400 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,800 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 Western New England 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 Western New England University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Western New England University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.