Salem State University vs. Westfield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Salem State University is larger than Westfield State University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 4,588 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Westfield State University is in Westfield, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Westfield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Westfield State University 17:1.

Salem State University vs. Westfield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Westfield State 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 Westfield State University than Salem State University ($17,406 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Westfield State University are 16.7% lower than at Salem State University ($14,018 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Westfield State University (about $159 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $12,179.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7% higher at Salem State University than at Westfield State University (about $1,272 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $18,259.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Westfield State University (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 14% larger than aid received by Westfield State University students ($10,319 vs. $9,054).

Salem State University vs. Westfield State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Westfield State University (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; Westfield State University 980/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestfield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Westfield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; Westfield State University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Westfield State University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Westfield State University (81.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 15.2% at Westfield State University.

Salem State University vs. Westfield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Westfield State University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Westfield State University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Westfield State University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($22,750 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Westfield State University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($235 vs. $248).
• More Westfield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.