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
Salem State University logo

Salem State University

Suffolk University logo

Suffolk University

Overview

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%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 90.0% 88.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
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

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $27,123

Out of state: $33,928
$66,127
Average net price $18,125 $32,393
Tuition
In state: $910

Out of state: $7,050
$41,242
Room & board $14,590
Room/dormitory: $14,850

Meal plan: $3,646
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

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

Students and Campus

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
Low
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

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Business
  • Legal Profession
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 13:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

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)
  • Year 1: $50,461
  • Year 2: $67,660
  • Year 3: $81,500
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,690
  • Year 2: $69,261
  • Year 3: $74,129
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,511
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $69,206
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $90,183
  • Year 2: $71,854
  • Year 3: $64,195
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,356
  • Year 2: $59,124
  • Year 3: $61,164
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,191
  • Year 2: $54,855
  • Year 3: $59,882
Social Work (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,049
  • Year 2: $50,606
  • Year 3: $53,563
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,859
  • Year 2: $48,302
  • Year 3: $52,492
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,960
  • Year 2: $47,729
  • Year 3: $51,920
Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,346
  • Year 2: $45,696
  • Year 3: $51,685
Business/Managerial Economics (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $116,870
  • Year 2: $97,071
  • Year 3: $98,105
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,557
  • Year 2: $83,388
  • Year 3: $91,689
Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $90,460
  • Year 2: $87,973
  • Year 3: $90,316
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,669
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $85,861
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,980
  • Year 2: $74,576
  • Year 3: $82,759
Marketing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,895
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: $81,268
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,555
  • Year 2: $67,273
  • Year 3: $77,798
Law (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,355
  • Year 2: $59,253
  • Year 3: $72,153
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,040
  • Year 2: $52,941
  • Year 3: $67,609
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,995
  • Year 2: $62,260
  • Year 3: $65,266

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