Academic Comparison between BC and Salem State

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

Comparison at a Glance

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

  • BC is a private (not-for-profit) and Salem State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • BC has more expensive tuition & fees ($70,702) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to BC than Salem State.
  • BC has more students with 15,432 students while Salem State has 6,230 students.
  • BC has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • BC has more full-time faculties with 893 faculties while Salem State has 296 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Boston Collegevs.Salem State University
Chestnut Hill, MassachusettsLocationSalem, Massachusetts
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$70,7022025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
45%% Receiving Financial Aid72%
$50,287Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,493
16.43 %Acceptance Rates95.88 %
43.46 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.25 %
1,500SAT Score-
34ACT Score-
91 %Graduation Rate50 %
7 %Transfer-out Rate-
96 %Retention Rate75 %
15,432Student Population6,230
893Number of Faculties296
10 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services