Academic Comparison between Salem State and Lesley

Salem State University and Lesley University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and Lesley is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Cambridge, 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 Lesley is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Lesley has more expensive tuition & fees ($34,256) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Salem State than Lesley.
  • Salem State has more students with 6,230 students while Lesley has 2,557 students.
  • Lesley has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Salem State has more full-time faculties with 296 faculties while Lesley has 135 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Salem State Lesley
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Lesley University
Salem, MassachusettsLocationCambridge, 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 ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
2025 Tuition & Fees$34,256
72%% Receiving Financial Aid81%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$16,217
95.88 %Acceptance Rates96.87 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)7.89 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
50 %Graduation Rate58 %
-Transfer-out Rate19 %
75 %Retention Rate72 %
6,230Student Population2,557
296Number of Faculties135
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio10 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), 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