Academic Comparison between Lesley and Salem State

Lesley University and Salem State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Lesley 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.

  • Lesley is a private (not-for-profit) and Salem State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Lesley has more expensive tuition & fees ($34,256) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Salem State than Lesley.
  • Salem State has more students with 6,230 students while Lesley has 2,557 students.
  • Lesley has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Salem State has more full-time faculties with 296 faculties while Lesley has 135 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Lesley Universityvs.Salem State University
Cambridge, MassachusettsLocationSalem, Massachusetts
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$34,2562025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
81%% Receiving Financial Aid72%
$16,217Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,493
96.87 %Acceptance Rates95.88 %
7.89 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.25 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
58 %Graduation Rate50 %
19 %Transfer-out Rate-
72 %Retention Rate75 %
2,557Student Population6,230
135Number of Faculties296
10 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), 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