Salem State University vs. Holy Family University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Holy Family University in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Salem State University is larger than Holy Family University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 3,225 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Holy Family University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Holy Family University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Holy Family University 14:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Holy Family University are 9.2% lower than at Salem State University ($15,284 vs. $16,838).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.9% higher at Holy Family University than at Salem State University (about $15,799 more per year; $35,330 vs. $19,531).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Holy Family University than at Salem State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Holy Family University students is 157.8% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($26,603 vs. $10,319).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Salem State University, test optional at Holy Family University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Salem State University average a 3.17 high school GPA, 0.04 higher than at Holy Family University (3.13).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 21.1% at Holy Family University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Holy Family University graduates ($24,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Family University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Holy Family University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation (64% vs. 63%).

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