Salem State University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and WPI is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Worcester, 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. | Worcester Polytechnic Institute |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, Massachusetts | Location | Worcester, Massachusetts |
| Four-year, Public | School Type | four-year, Private (not-for-profit) |
| Master's degree | Highest Degree Offered | Doctor's degree |
| Master's College and University (larger programs) | Carnegie Classification | Research University (high research activity) |
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531 | 2025 Tuition & Fees | $60,765 |
| 72% | % Receiving Financial Aid | 96% |
| $10,493 | Average Amount of Financial Aid | $30,806 |
| 95.88 % | Acceptance Rates | 60.16 % |
| 11.25 % | Yield (Enrollment Rates) | 18.08 % |
| - | SAT Score | - |
| - | ACT Score | - |
| 50 % | Graduation Rate | 90 % |
| - | Transfer-out Rate | - |
| 75 % | Retention Rate | 94 % |
| 6,230 | Student Population | 7,584 |
| 296 | Number of Faculties | 444 |
| 12 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 13 to 1 |
| Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification | Special Learning Opportunities | Distance Learning (Online Classes), 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 |