CCSU vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT with Salem State University in Salem, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Central Connecticut State University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (9,997 students vs. 6,230 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Connecticut State University is located in New Britain, CT (Large Suburban setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Central Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Connecticut State University 14:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Connecticut State University are 22.3% lower than at Salem State University ($13,086 vs. $16,838).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18% higher at Salem State University than at Central Connecticut State University (about $2,981 more per year; $19,531 vs. $16,550).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Central Connecticut State University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 16.7% larger than aid received by Central Connecticut State University students ($10,319 vs. $8,842).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at CCSU, test-free at Salem State University.
• Typical fall application deadline: CCSU Aug 26, 2027; Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at CCSU average a 3.2 high school GPA, 0.03 higher than at Salem State University (3.17).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at CCSU vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Connecticut State University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, CCSU 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 CCSU students, three years after graduation (63% vs. 63%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.