Salem State University vs. Tarleton

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem State University in Salem, MA with Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tarleton State University is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (17,433 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Tarleton State University is in Stephenville, TX (Remote Town setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tarleton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Tarleton State University 20:1.

Salem State University vs. Tarleton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem State University or Tarleton? 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 Tarleton State University than Salem State University ($16,159 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tarleton State University are 35.1% lower than at Salem State University ($10,920 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 48.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tarleton (about $4,036 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $8,302.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.7% higher at Salem State University than at Tarleton State University (about $1,389 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $18,142.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Tarleton State University (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 30.1% larger than aid received by Tarleton State University students ($10,319 vs. $7,929).

Salem State University vs. Tarleton Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 10 points higher than at Tarleton (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem State University 990/1160; Tarleton State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsTarleton State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem State University - Test-free; Tarleton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; Tarleton Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tarleton students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.21) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Tarleton (89.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 24.3% at Tarleton.

Salem State University vs. Tarleton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem State University and Tarleton? 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 Tarleton State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Tarleton State University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tarleton State University graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($19,750 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Tarleton graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($204 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tarleton students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 56%)

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.