Salem State University vs. Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Johnson & Wales University Providence in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than Johnson & Wales University-Providence based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 4,303 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Johnson & Wales University Providence is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson & Wales University Providence is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Johnson & Wales University Providence 14:1.

Salem State University vs. Johnson & Wales University-Providence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Johnson & Wales University-Providence? 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 Johnson & Wales University-Providence ($17,541 vs. $32,057).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem State University are 15% lower than at Johnson & Wales University Providence ($16,838 vs. $19,800).
• Johnson & Wales University Providence is 243.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $30,081 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 117.2% higher at Johnson & Wales University-Providence than at Salem State University (about $22,888 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson & Wales University Providence than at Salem State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson & Wales University Providence students is 174.8% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($28,361 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Johnson & Wales University-Providence Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem State University or Johnson & Wales University-Providence? 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 Johnson & Wales University-Providence and Salem State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 50 points higher than at Johnson & Wales University-Providence (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Johnson & Wales University Providence 890/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsJohnson & Wales University Providence 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Johnson & Wales University-Providence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Johnson & Wales University-Providence (88.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 15.8% at Johnson & Wales University-Providence.

Salem State University vs. Johnson & Wales University-Providence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Johnson & Wales University-Providence? 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).

• Johnson & Wales University Providence's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Johnson & Wales University-Providence graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $2,900 lower median loan debt than Johnson & Wales University-Providence graduates ($24,000 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Johnson & Wales University-Providence graduates ($248 vs. $278).
• More Johnson & Wales University-Providence graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 63%)

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.