Academic Comparison between Salem State and BU

Salem State University and Boston University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and BU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Boston, 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 BU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • BU has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,102) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to BU than Salem State.
  • BU has more students with 37,737 students while Salem State has 6,230 students.
  • BU has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • BU has more full-time faculties with 3,236 faculties while Salem State has 296 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Boston University
Salem, MassachusettsLocationBoston, 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$68,102
72%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$54,501
95.88 %Acceptance Rates11.11 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)37.35 %
-SAT Score1,480
-ACT Score33
50 %Graduation Rate89 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
75 %Retention Rate95 %
6,230Student Population37,737
296Number of Faculties3,236
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