Academic Comparison between Salem State and Northeastern

Salem State University and Northeastern University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and Northeastern 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 Northeastern is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northeastern has more expensive tuition & fees ($66,162) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Northeastern than Salem State.
  • Northeastern has more students with 32,553 students while Salem State has 6,230 students.
  • Salem State has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Northeastern's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Northeastern has more full-time faculties with 1,766 faculties while Salem State has 296 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Northeastern 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$66,162
72%% Receiving Financial Aid60%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$35,882
95.88 %Acceptance Rates5.22 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)53.75 %
-SAT Score1,490
-ACT Score34
50 %Graduation Rate91 %
-Transfer-out Rate4 %
75 %Retention Rate97 %
6,230Student Population32,553
296Number of Faculties1,766
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare