Academic Comparison between Salem State and Elms College

Salem State University and College of Our Lady of the Elms are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and Elms College is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Chicopee, 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 Elms College is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Elms College has more expensive tuition & fees ($43,325) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Elms College than Salem State.
  • Salem State has more students with 6,230 students while Elms College has 1,268 students.
  • Elms College has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Salem State has more full-time faculties with 296 faculties while Elms College has 56 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.College of Our Lady of the Elms
Salem, MassachusettsLocationChicopee, 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 ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
2025 Tuition & Fees$43,325
72%% Receiving Financial Aid85%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$25,471
95.88 %Acceptance Rates85.26 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)10.91 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
50 %Graduation Rate68 %
-Transfer-out Rate24 %
75 %Retention Rate76 %
6,230Student Population1,268
296Number of Faculties56
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 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