Academic Comparison between Salem State and Suffolk

Salem State University and Suffolk University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and Suffolk 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 Suffolk is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Suffolk has more expensive tuition & fees ($47,550) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Suffolk than Salem State.
  • Suffolk has more students with 6,356 students while Salem State has 6,230 students.
  • Salem State has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Suffolk's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Suffolk has more full-time faculties with 317 faculties while Salem State has 296 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Suffolk 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 ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
2025 Tuition & Fees$47,550
72%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$28,742
95.88 %Acceptance Rates82.33 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)10.88 %
-SAT Score1,210
-ACT Score26
50 %Graduation Rate61 %
-Transfer-out Rate25 %
75 %Retention Rate75 %
6,230Student Population6,356
296Number of Faculties317
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services