University of Southern Maine vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME with Salem State University in Salem, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Southern Maine is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (7,604 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Southern Maine is located in Portland, ME (Small City setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Southern Maine 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 Southern Maine 14:1; Salem State University 12:1.

University of Southern Maine vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Southern Maine 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 University of Southern Maine than Salem State University ($14,028 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Southern Maine are 27.1% lower than at Salem State University ($12,280 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 9.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Southern Maine (about $1,054 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $11,284.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.1% higher at University of Southern Maine than at Salem State University (about $8,413 more per year; $27,944.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at University of Southern Maine (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Southern Maine students is 8.4% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($11,188 vs. $10,319).

University of Southern Maine vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Southern Maine 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 Southern Maine.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Southern Maine (1120) is 40 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern Maine 990/1250; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern Maine 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Southern Maine - Required; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Southern Maine students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than University of Southern Maine (79.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at University of Southern Maine vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

University of Southern Maine vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Southern Maine 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 Southern Maine's (33%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than University of Southern Maine graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($232 vs. $248).
• More University of Southern Maine graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.