NSU vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Natchitoches, LA with Salem State University in Salem, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (8,523 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern State University of Louisiana is located in Natchitoches, LA (Remote Town setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 16:1; Salem State University 12:1.

NSU vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU 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 Northwestern State University of Louisiana than Salem State University ($13,134 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern State University of Louisiana are 35.1% lower than at Salem State University ($10,926 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 39.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $3,474 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $8,864.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.6% higher at NSU than at Salem State University (about $121 more per year; $19,652.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Northwestern State University of Louisiana (98% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern State University of Louisiana students is 17.2% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($12,098 vs. $10,319).

NSU vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU 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 NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 70 points higher than at NSU (1010).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 866/1163; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern State University of Louisiana 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than NSU (92.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 37.4% at NSU vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

NSU vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU 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 Northwestern State University of Louisiana's (37%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern State University of Louisiana graduates have a $2,469 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($21,531 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, NSU 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 NSU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 46%)

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.