Salem State University vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Central Washington University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 6,230 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Central Washington University 15:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Washington University are 2.1% lower than at Salem State University ($16,480 vs. $16,838).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.9% higher at Central Washington University than at Salem State University (about $7,995 more per year; $27,526 vs. $19,531).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Central Washington University (98% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 17% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($10,319 vs. $8,816).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at both Salem State University and Central Washington University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Salem State University average a 3.17 high school GPA, 0.09 higher than at Central Washington University (3.08).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $3,263 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($20,737 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($214 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Washington University students, three years after graduation (63% vs. 60%).

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