Framingham State University vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Framingham State University in Framingham, MA with Salem State University in Salem, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Salem State University is larger than Framingham State University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 4,002 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Framingham State University is located in Framingham, MA (Small City setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Framingham 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: Framingham State University 12:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Framingham State University are 9.1% lower than at Salem State University ($15,310 vs. $16,838).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.5% higher at Salem State University than at Framingham State University (about $1,531 more per year; $19,531 vs. $18,000).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Framingham State University (98% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Framingham State University students is 9.9% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($11,338 vs. $10,319).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at Framingham State University, test-free at Salem State University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Framingham State University Feb 15, 2027; Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Salem State University average a 3.17 high school GPA, 0.1 higher than at Framingham State University (3.07).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Framingham State University vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $705 lower median loan debt than Framingham State University graduates ($24,000 vs. $24,705).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Framingham State University graduates ($248 vs. $255).
• More Framingham State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation (73% vs. 63%).

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