Academic Comparison between Salem State and Harvard

Salem State University and Harvard University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and Harvard is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Cambridge, MA.

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Harvard University
Salem, MassachusettsLocationCambridge, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
2025 Tuition & Fees$61,676
72%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$59,539
95.88 %Acceptance Rates3.65 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)83.60 %
-SAT Score1,550
-ACT Score35
50 %Graduation Rate98 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
75 %Retention Rate98 %
6,230Student Population30,259
296Number of Faculties2,117
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services