Salem State University vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

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

Salem State University is larger than Worcester State University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 5,745 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem State University is located in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting); Worcester State University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem State University 12:1; Worcester State University 16:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 15% lower than at Salem State University ($14,307 vs. $16,838).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.3% higher at Salem State University than at Worcester State University (about $1,665 more per year; $19,531 vs. $17,866).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Worcester State University (98% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 9% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($10,319 vs. $9,464).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Salem State University, test optional at Worcester State University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027; Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Worcester 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. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($20,000 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($206 vs. $248).
• More Worcester State University 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, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.