Academic Comparison between Salem State and Tufts

Salem State University and Tufts University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and Tufts is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Medford, 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 Tufts is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Tufts has more expensive tuition & fees ($70,704) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Tufts than Salem State.
  • Tufts has more students with 13,599 students while Salem State has 6,230 students.
  • Tufts has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Tufts has more full-time faculties with 1,030 faculties while Salem State has 296 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Salem State Tufts
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Tufts University
Salem, MassachusettsLocationMedford, 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$70,704
72%% Receiving Financial Aid41%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$52,946
95.88 %Acceptance Rates11.49 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)45.51 %
-SAT Score1,510
-ACT Score34
50 %Graduation Rate94 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
75 %Retention Rate95 %
6,230Student Population13,599
296Number of Faculties1,030
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio10 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services