IU East vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana University East in Richmond, IN with Salem State University in Salem, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than IU East based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 3,203 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University East is located in Richmond, IN (Rural Fringe setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Indiana University East is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana University East 15:1; Salem State University 12:1.

IU East vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IU East 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 Indiana University East than Salem State University ($8,718 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana University East are 34.8% lower than at Salem State University ($10,972 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 46.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than IU East (about $3,914 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $8,424.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.8% higher at IU East than at Salem State University (about $3,280 more per year; $22,811.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Indiana University East (98% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 27.5% larger than aid received by Indiana University East students ($10,319 vs. $8,096).

IU East vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IU East 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 IU East.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 10 points higher than at IU East (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University East 960/1170; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University East 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IU East - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: IU East Aug 18, 2027; Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IU East students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than IU East (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.2% at IU East vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

IU East vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IU East 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 Indiana University East's (19%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $11,500 more per year than IU East graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $32,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana University East graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($20,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, IU East graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($211 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IU East students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 40%)

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.