Murray State University vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

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

Murray State University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Murray State University is located in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Murray 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: Murray State University 17:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Murray State University vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Murray State University 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 Murray State University than Salem State University ($10,182 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 34% lower than at Salem State University ($11,112 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 24.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $2,438 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.6% higher at Murray State University than at Salem State University (about $305 more per year; $19,836.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Salem State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 37.4% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($14,178 vs. $10,319).

Murray State University vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Murray State University 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 Murray State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 20 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 940/1170; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Murray State University - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.4% at Murray State University vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Murray State University vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Murray State University 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).

• Murray State University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($222 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 57%)

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.