Salem State University vs. Rivier University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Rivier University in Nashua, NH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Salem State University is larger than Rivier University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 2,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Salem State University vs. Rivier University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Rivier University? 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 Rivier University ($17,541 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rivier University are 7.1% lower than at Salem State University ($15,636 vs. $16,838).
• Rivier University is 220.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $27,150 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 102.2% higher at Rivier University than at Salem State University (about $19,957 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University as at Rivier University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rivier University students is 141.6% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($24,927 vs. $10,319).

Salem State University vs. Rivier University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem State University or Rivier University? 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 Rivier University and Salem State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 40 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Rivier University 1055/1175.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Rivier University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Rivier University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 15.3% at Rivier University.

Salem State University vs. Rivier University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Rivier University? 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).

• Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Rivier University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $1,455 lower median loan debt than Rivier University graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,455).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rivier University graduates ($248 vs. $263).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.