Salem State University vs. Westfield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Salem State University is larger than Westfield State University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 4,588 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Westfield State University is in Westfield, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Westfield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Westfield State University 17:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Westfield State University are 16.7% lower than at Salem State University ($14,018 vs. $16,838).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7% higher at Salem State University than at Westfield State University (about $1,272 more per year; $19,531 vs. $18,259).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Westfield State University (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 14% larger than aid received by Westfield State University students ($10,319 vs. $9,054).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Salem State University, test optional at Westfield State University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; Westfield State University Mar 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Westfield State University average a 3.3 high school GPA, 0.13 higher than at Salem State University (3.17).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at Salem State University vs. 15.2% at Westfield State University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Westfield State University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($22,750 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Westfield State University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($235 vs. $248).
• More Westfield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation (73% vs. 63%).

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