Academic Comparison between Salem State and BC

Salem State University and Boston College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and BC is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Chestnut Hill, 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 BC is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • BC has more expensive tuition & fees ($70,702) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to BC than Salem State.
  • BC has more students with 15,432 students while Salem State has 6,230 students.
  • BC has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • BC has more full-time faculties with 893 faculties while Salem State has 296 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Boston College
Salem, MassachusettsLocationChestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
2025 Tuition & Fees$70,702
72%% Receiving Financial Aid45%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$50,287
95.88 %Acceptance Rates16.43 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)43.46 %
-SAT Score1,500
-ACT Score34
50 %Graduation Rate91 %
-Transfer-out Rate7 %
75 %Retention Rate96 %
6,230Student Population15,432
296Number of Faculties893
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio10 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare