Academic Comparison between Salem State and Hampshire

Salem State University and Hampshire College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and Hampshire 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 Hampshire is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Hampshire has more expensive tuition & fees ($58,896) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Hampshire than Salem State.
  • Salem State has more students with 6,230 students while Hampshire has 844 students.
  • Salem State has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Hampshire's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • Salem State has more full-time faculties with 296 faculties while Hampshire has 47 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Salem State Hampshire
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Hampshire 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$58,896
72%% Receiving Financial Aid100%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$45,325
95.88 %Acceptance Rates75.28 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)14.39 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
50 %Graduation Rate54 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
75 %Retention Rate78 %
6,230Student Population844
296Number of Faculties47
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesStudy Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Placement services, On-campus daycare