Academic Comparison between Harvard and Salem State

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

  • Harvard is a private (not-for-profit) and Salem State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Harvard has more expensive tuition & fees ($61,676) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Harvard than Salem State.
  • Harvard has more students with 30,259 students while Salem State has 6,230 students.
  • Harvard has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Harvard has more full-time faculties with 2,117 faculties while Salem State has 296 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Harvard Salem State
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Harvard Universityvs.Salem State University
Cambridge, 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)
$61,6762025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
50%% Receiving Financial Aid72%
$59,539Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,493
3.65 %Acceptance Rates95.88 %
83.60 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.25 %
1,550SAT Score-
35ACT Score-
98 %Graduation Rate50 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
98 %Retention Rate75 %
30,259Student Population6,230
2,117Number of Faculties296
7 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