Salem State University vs. Centenary University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Salem State University is larger than Centenary University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 1,398 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Centenary University is in Hackettstown, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Centenary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Centenary University 12:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centenary University are 25.5% lower than at Salem State University ($12,552 vs. $16,838).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93.2% higher at Centenary University than at Salem State University (about $18,201 more per year; $37,732 vs. $19,531).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Centenary University than at Salem State University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Centenary University students is 187% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($29,617 vs. $10,319).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Salem State University, test optional at Centenary University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Centenary University average a 3.23 high school GPA, 0.06 higher than at Salem State University (3.17).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 14.7% at Centenary University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Centenary University graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Centenary University graduates ($248 vs. $263).
• More Centenary University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation (68% vs. 63%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.