Academic Comparison between Merrimack and Salem State

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

  • Merrimack is a private (not-for-profit) and Salem State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Merrimack has more expensive tuition & fees ($53,962) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Merrimack than Salem State.
  • Salem State has more students with 6,230 students while Merrimack has 5,862 students.
  • Salem State has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Merrimack's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • Salem State has more full-time faculties with 296 faculties while Merrimack has 196 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Merrimack Collegevs.Salem State University
North Andover, MassachusettsLocationSalem, Massachusetts
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$53,9622025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
95%% Receiving Financial Aid72%
$29,058Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,493
70.02 %Acceptance Rates95.88 %
9.86 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.25 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
70 %Graduation Rate50 %
21 %Transfer-out Rate-
79 %Retention Rate75 %
5,862Student Population6,230
196Number of Faculties296
13 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