Academic Comparison between Clark and Salem State

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

  • Clark is a private (not-for-profit) and Salem State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Clark has more expensive tuition & fees ($58,467) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Clark than Salem State.
  • Salem State has more students with 6,230 students while Clark has 3,925 students.
  • Clark has a lower number of students per faculty with 8 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Salem State has more full-time faculties with 296 faculties while Clark has 242 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Clark Universityvs.Salem State University
Worcester, MassachusettsLocationSalem, Massachusetts
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$58,4672025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
96%% Receiving Financial Aid72%
$33,077Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,493
39.54 %Acceptance Rates95.88 %
10.73 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.25 %
1,358SAT Score-
31ACT Score-
77 %Graduation Rate50 %
15 %Transfer-out Rate-
86 %Retention Rate75 %
3,925Student Population6,230
242Number of Faculties296
8 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 servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services