Academic Comparison between Salem State and Amherst

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

  • Salem State is a public and Amherst is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Amherst has more expensive tuition & fees ($70,480) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Amherst than Salem State.
  • Salem State has more students with 6,230 students while Amherst has 1,914 students.
  • Amherst has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Salem State has more full-time faculties with 296 faculties while Amherst has 282 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Amherst College
Salem, MassachusettsLocationAmherst, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
2025 Tuition & Fees$70,480
72%% Receiving Financial Aid62%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$67,234
95.88 %Acceptance Rates9.01 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)38.77 %
-SAT Score1,540
-ACT Score34
50 %Graduation Rate94 %
-Transfer-out Rate3 %
75 %Retention Rate97 %
6,230Student Population1,914
296Number of Faculties282
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services