University of Massachusetts-Boston vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Massachusetts Boston is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (15,575 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Boston is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Massachusetts Boston is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Boston 15:1; Salem State University 12:1.

University of Massachusetts-Boston vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Boston 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 Salem State University than University of Massachusetts-Boston ($17,541 vs. $17,768).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem State University are 12% lower than at University of Massachusetts Boston ($16,838 vs. $19,128).
• University of Massachusetts Boston is 28.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $3,570 more per year; $15,908.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 95.2% higher at University of Massachusetts-Boston than at Salem State University (about $18,594 more per year; $38,125.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at University of Massachusetts Boston (98% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Massachusetts Boston students is 36.1% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($14,042 vs. $10,319).

University of Massachusetts-Boston vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Massachusetts-Boston 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 University of Massachusetts-Boston.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Massachusetts Boston (1180) is 100 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Boston 1070/1290; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Boston 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Boston - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Boston Feb 15, 2027; Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Massachusetts-Boston students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.35) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than University of Massachusetts-Boston (83.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at University of Massachusetts-Boston vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

University of Massachusetts-Boston vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Massachusetts-Boston 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).

• Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Boston's (40%).
• Graduates from University of Massachusetts Boston earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,200 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Massachusetts Boston graduates have a $1,940 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($22,060 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Massachusetts-Boston graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($228 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Boston students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 58%)

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.