Salem State University and Amherst College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and Amherst is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Amherst, MA.
The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.
| Salem State University | vs. | Amherst College |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, Massachusetts | Location | Amherst, Massachusetts |
| Four-year, Public | School Type | four-year, Private (not-for-profit) |
| Master's degree | Highest Degree Offered | Bachelor's degree |
| Master's College and University (larger programs) | Carnegie Classification | Baccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences |
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531 | 2025 Tuition & Fees | $70,480 |
| 72% | % Receiving Financial Aid | 62% |
| $10,493 | Average Amount of Financial Aid | $67,234 |
| 95.88 % | Acceptance Rates | 9.01 % |
| 11.25 % | Yield (Enrollment Rates) | 38.77 % |
| - | SAT Score | 1,540 |
| - | ACT Score | 34 |
| 50 % | Graduation Rate | 94 % |
| - | Transfer-out Rate | 3 % |
| 75 % | Retention Rate | 97 % |
| 6,230 | Student Population | 1,914 |
| 296 | Number of Faculties | 282 |
| 12 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 6 to 1 |
| Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification | Special Learning Opportunities | ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification |
| Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services | On Campus Student Services | Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services |