Salem State University vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

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

Salem State University is larger than Worcester State University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 5,745 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Worcester State University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Worcester State University 16:1.

Salem State University vs. Worcester State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Worcester 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 Worcester State University than Salem State University ($12,778 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 15% lower than at Salem State University ($14,307 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 4.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $552 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.3% higher at Salem State University than at Worcester State University (about $1,665 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Worcester State University (98% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 9% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($10,319 vs. $9,464).

Salem State University vs. Worcester State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Worcester State University (1150) is 70 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; Worcester State University 1026/1283.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Worcester State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Worcester 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 Worcester State University (88%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

Salem State University vs. Worcester State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Worcester State University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Worcester State University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($20,000 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($206 vs. $248).
• More Worcester State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.