University of Southern Maine vs. Salem State University

University of Southern Maine and Salem State University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

University of Southern Maine
Salem State University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: University of Southern Maine (79.2% admitted vs 95.9%). Typical SAT 1120 vs 1080.
  • Cheaper after aid: University of Southern Maine. Average net price is $14,028 vs $17,541 at Salem State University.
  • Graduation: University of Southern Maine 33% vs Salem State University 42%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: University of Southern Maine $42,600 vs Salem State University $44,400 (median).
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Key differences

University of Southern Maine Salem State University
Acceptance rate
University of Southern Maine more selective
University of Southern Maine79.2%
Salem State University95.9%
SAT range (middle 50%)
University of Southern Maine higher
University of Southern Maine990-1250
Salem State University990-1160
Average net price
University of Southern Maine $3,513 less
University of Southern Maine$14,028
Salem State University$17,541
In-state tuition
University of Southern Maine $1,054 less
University of Southern Maine$11,284
Salem State University$12,338
Out-of-state tuition
Salem State University $8,413 less
University of Southern Maine$27,944
Salem State University$19,531
Graduation rate
Salem State University +9 pts
University of Southern Maine33%
Salem State University42%
Median earnings (10 years)
Salem State University +$1,800
University of Southern Maine$42,600
Salem State University$44,400

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • University of Southern Maine 5,822
  • Salem State University 7,953
  • Admitted
  • University of Southern Maine 4,613
  • Salem State University 7,625
  • Acceptance rate
  • University of Southern Maine 79.2%
  • Salem State University 95.9%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • University of Southern Maine 15.3%
  • Salem State University 11.3%
  • Typical SAT score
  • University of Southern Maine 1120
  • Salem State University 1080
  • Typical ACT score
  • University of Southern Maine 26
  • Salem State University
  • Average high school GPA
  • University of Southern Maine 3.33
  • Salem State University 3.17
  • Typical high school grades
  • University of Southern Maine B+
  • Salem State University B+
  • Admissions standards
  • University of Southern Maine Average
  • Salem State University Very Easy
  • Applicant competition
  • University of Southern Maine
  • Salem State University
  • SAT range
  • University of Southern Maine 990-1250
  • Salem State University 990-1160
  • ACT range
  • University of Southern Maine 24-28
  • Salem State University
  • Submit test scores
  • University of Southern Maine Required
  • Salem State University Test-free
  • Application deadline
  • University of Southern Maine
  • Salem State University Jun 1, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • University of Southern Maine $11,284
  • Salem State University $12,338
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • University of Southern Maine $27,944
  • Salem State University $19,531
  • Room & board
  • University of Southern Maine $12,280
  • Salem State University $16,838
  • Average net price
  • University of Southern Maine $14,028
  • Salem State University $17,541
  • Average grant aid
  • University of Southern Maine $11,188
  • Salem State University $10,319
  • % receiving grant aid
  • University of Southern Maine 95%
  • Salem State University 98%
  • Graduation rate
  • University of Southern Maine 33%
  • Salem State University 42%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • University of Southern Maine $42,600
  • Salem State University $44,400
  • Making student loan payments
  • University of Southern Maine 64%
  • Salem State University 63%
  • Median student loan debt
  • University of Southern Maine $22,500
  • Salem State University $24,000
  • Median loan payment
  • University of Southern Maine $232
  • Salem State University $248
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • University of Southern Maine 14:1
  • Salem State University 12:1
  • Popular majors
  • University of Southern Maine
    • Health Professions (17%)
    • Social Sciences (17%)
    • Business (16%)
    • Communication (10%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (5%)
  • Salem State University
    • Business (23%)
    • Health Professions (17%)
    • Education (9%)
    • Psychology (7%)
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (7%)
  • Location
  • University of Southern Maine Portland, ME
  • Salem State University Salem, MA
  • Setting
  • University of Southern Maine Small City
  • Salem State University Large Suburban
  • Total enrollment
  • University of Southern Maine 7,604
  • Salem State University 6,230
  • Type
  • University of Southern Maine Public 4 Year
  • Salem State University Public 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • University of Southern Maine #686
  • Salem State University #779

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME with Salem State University in Salem, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

University of Southern Maine is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (7,604 students vs. 6,230 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • University of Southern Maine is located in Portland, ME (Small City setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
  • University of Southern Maine is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Southern Maine 14:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Southern Maine are 27.1% lower than at Salem State University ($12,280 vs. $16,838).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 43.1% higher at University of Southern Maine than at Salem State University (about $8,413 more per year; $27,944 vs. $19,531).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at University of Southern Maine (98% vs. 95%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by University of Southern Maine students is 8.4% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($11,188 vs. $10,319).

Admissions details

  • SAT or ACT scores are required at University of Southern Maine, test-free at Salem State University.
  • Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at University of Southern Maine 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 15.3% at University of Southern Maine vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,000).
  • Among borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($232 vs. $248).
  • More University of Southern Maine graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation (64% vs. 63%).

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

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