Academic Comparison between Salem State and Merrimack

Salem State University and Merrimack College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and Merrimack is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in North Andover, 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 Merrimack is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Merrimack has more expensive tuition & fees ($53,962) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Merrimack than Salem State.
  • Salem State has more students with 6,230 students while Merrimack has 5,862 students.
  • Salem State has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Merrimack's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • Salem State has more full-time faculties with 296 faculties while Merrimack has 196 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Merrimack College
Salem, MassachusettsLocationNorth Andover, 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 (larger programs)
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
2025 Tuition & Fees$53,962
72%% Receiving Financial Aid95%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$29,058
95.88 %Acceptance Rates70.02 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)9.86 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
50 %Graduation Rate70 %
-Transfer-out Rate21 %
75 %Retention Rate79 %
6,230Student Population5,862
296Number of Faculties196
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 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