Salem State University vs. Augusta University

Comparable Facts

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

Augusta University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (10,900 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Augusta University is in Augusta, GA (Midsize City setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Augusta University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Augusta University 16:1.

Salem State University vs. Augusta University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Augusta 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 Augusta University than Salem State University ($13,976 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Augusta University are 26.3% lower than at Salem State University ($12,404 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 46.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Augusta University (about $3,924 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $8,414.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.6% higher at Augusta University than at Salem State University (about $5,203 more per year; $24,734.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Augusta University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 8.2% larger than aid received by Augusta University students ($10,319 vs. $9,536).

Salem State University vs. Augusta University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem State University or Augusta 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 Augusta University and Salem State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 20 points higher than at Augusta University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Augusta University 970/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsAugusta University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Augusta University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; Augusta University Jul 1, 2027.
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Augusta University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 25.1% at Augusta University.

Salem State University vs. Augusta University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Augusta 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).

• Graduates from Augusta University earn a median of about $18,900 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,300 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Augusta University graduates have a $9,000 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($15,000 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Augusta University graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($155 vs. $248).
• More Augusta University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 63%)

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.