Southern Illinois University vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or Salem 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than Salem State University ($13,473 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 26.7% lower than at Salem State University ($12,341 vs. $16,838).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 8.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $996 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.5% higher at Salem State University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $6,197 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 31.9% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($13,610 vs. $10,319).

Southern Illinois University vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 50 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southern Illinois University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Southern Illinois University vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University and Salem 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).

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University 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 Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 51%)

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.