Suffolk vs Salem State
Suffolk University and Salem State University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Massachusetts, offer distinct educational experiences. Suffolk University, nestled in the heart of Boston, boasts a vibrant urban campus and an acceptance rate of 78%, making it a more accessible choice. Salem State University, situated in the historic town of Salem, offers a charming suburban campus and a slightly lower acceptance rate of 72%. While Suffolk University excels in business, communications, and law programs, Salem State University shines in education, nursing, and social work. Both universities boast diverse student bodies, with Suffolk University's student population being more ethnically diverse and Salem State University's student population being more gender-balanced. With graduation rates of 75% and 68% respectively, both universities prioritize student success and provide ample resources to help students achieve their academic goals. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve deeper into the unique offerings of each university and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and
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![]() Salem State University |
![]() Suffolk University |
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Overview |
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Location | Salem, Massachusetts | Boston, Massachusetts |
Campus setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 75.0% | 78.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 90.0% | 88.0% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
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Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
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SAT range | N/A | 1080 - 1280 |
ACT range | N/A | 23 - 29 |
Students submitting SAT score | 19.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 3.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 6,287 | 7,501 |
Total number of admissions given out | 5,659 | 6,603 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 939 | 982 |
Yield rate | 16.6% | 14.9% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Not required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$27,123
Out of state:
$33,928
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$66,127 |
Average net price | $18,125 | $32,393 |
Tuition |
In state:
$910
Out of state:
$7,050
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$41,242 |
Room & board | $14,590 |
Room/dormitory:
$14,850
Meal plan:
$3,646
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
91.0%
Average amount $7,673 |
97.0%
Average amount $25,670 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
67.0%
Average amount $4,984 |
62.0%
Average amount $5,337 |
Students taking out private loans |
10.0%
Average amount $12,948 |
18.0%
Average amount $16,757 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
5,555
Men 34.5% Women 65.5% |
4,227
Men 41.0% Women 59.0% |
Graduate students |
1,576
Men 21.8% Women 78.2% |
2,420
Men 37.1% Women 62.9% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | N/A |
International students | 2.5% | 13.5% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 1,928 | 1,570 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | New York New Hampshire Connecticut Rhode Island Vermont | New Hampshire Connecticut Rhode Island New York California |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 13:1 | 13:1 |
Institutional accreditation | New England Commission on Higher Education | New England Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 56.8% | 60.3% |
Dropout rate | 40.8% | 11.5% |
Transferred out | N/A | 27.7% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
Social Work (Master's Degrees)
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Business/Managerial Economics (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
Marketing (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Law (Doctoral Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
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