Southern Illinois University vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 6,230 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 26.7% lower than at Salem State University ($12,341 vs. $16,838).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.5% higher at Salem State University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $6,197 more per year; $19,531 vs. $13,334).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 31.9% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($13,610 vs. $10,319).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at Southern Illinois University, test-free at Salem State University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Southern Illinois University average a 3.24 high school GPA, 0.07 higher than at Salem State University (3.17).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($232 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation (63% vs. 51%).

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