Salem State University vs. Cedar Crest College

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than Cedar Crest College based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 1,290 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Cedar Crest College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cedar Crest College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Cedar Crest College 9:1.

Salem State University vs. Cedar Crest College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Cedar Crest College? 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 Salem State University than Cedar Crest College ($17,541 vs. $23,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cedar Crest College are 20.4% lower than at Salem State University ($13,406 vs. $16,838).
• Cedar Crest College is 275.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $33,976 more per year; $46,314.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 137.1% higher at Cedar Crest College than at Salem State University (about $26,783 more per year; $46,314.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cedar Crest College than at Salem State University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cedar Crest College students is 222.9% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($33,323 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Cedar Crest College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem State University or Cedar Crest College? 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 Cedar Crest College and Salem State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cedar Crest College (1120) is 40 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Cedar Crest College 1000/1230.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Cedar Crest College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cedar Crest College students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Cedar Crest College (84.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 13.5% at Cedar Crest College.

Salem State University vs. Cedar Crest College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Cedar Crest College? 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).

• Cedar Crest College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Cedar Crest College earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Cedar Crest College graduates ($24,000 vs. $27,750).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cedar Crest College graduates ($248 vs. $286).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cedar Crest College students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 59%)

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.