Salem State University vs. Gwynedd Mercy University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Gwynedd Mercy University in Gwynedd Valley, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Salem State University is larger than Gwynedd Mercy University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 2,017 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gwynedd Mercy University are 17.1% lower than at Salem State University ($13,956 vs. $16,838).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.4% higher at Gwynedd Mercy University than at Salem State University (about $20,591 more per year; $40,122 vs. $19,531).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gwynedd Mercy University than at Salem State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gwynedd Mercy University students is 167% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($27,554 vs. $10,319).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Salem State University, test optional at Gwynedd Mercy University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; Gwynedd Mercy University Aug 20, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Gwynedd Mercy University average a 3.34 high school GPA, 0.17 higher than at Salem State University (3.17).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 17% at Gwynedd Mercy University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Gwynedd Mercy University graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gwynedd Mercy University graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Gwynedd Mercy University students, three years after graduation (63% vs. 63%).

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