Academic Comparison between Northeastern and Salem State

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

  • Northeastern is a private (not-for-profit) and Salem State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northeastern has more expensive tuition & fees ($66,162) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Northeastern than Salem State.
  • Northeastern has more students with 32,553 students while Salem State has 6,230 students.
  • Salem State has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Northeastern's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Northeastern has more full-time faculties with 1,766 faculties while Salem State has 296 full-time faculties.
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Northeastern Salem State
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northeastern Universityvs.Salem State University
Boston, 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)
$66,1622025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
60%% Receiving Financial Aid72%
$35,882Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,493
5.22 %Acceptance Rates95.88 %
53.75 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.25 %
1,490SAT Score-
34ACT Score-
91 %Graduation Rate50 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate-
97 %Retention Rate75 %
32,553Student Population6,230
1,766Number of Faculties296
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study AbroadSpecial 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