Salem State University vs. Suffolk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Suffolk University in Boston, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Suffolk University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 6,230 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Suffolk University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Suffolk University 15:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem State University are 21% lower than at Suffolk University ($16,838 vs. $21,326).
• Out-of-state tuition is 143.5% higher at Suffolk University than at Salem State University (about $28,019 more per year; $47,550 vs. $19,531).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University as at Suffolk University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 205.8% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($31,558 vs. $10,319).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Salem State University, test optional at Suffolk University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Suffolk University average a 3.33 high school GPA, 0.16 higher than at Salem State University (3.17).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 10.9% at Suffolk University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Suffolk 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 Suffolk University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Suffolk 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, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.