Academic Comparison between Salem State and UMass Amherst

Salem State University and University of Massachusetts-Amherst are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Massachusetts

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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • UMass Amherst has more expensive tuition & fees ($40,449) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to UMass Amherst than Salem State.
  • UMass Amherst has more students with 31,726 students while Salem State has 6,230 students.
  • Salem State has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while UMass Amherst's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • UMass Amherst has more full-time faculties with 1,458 faculties while Salem State has 296 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Salem, MassachusettsLocationAmherst, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
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
In-State$17,772
Out-Of-State$40,449
72%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$13,764
95.88 %Acceptance Rates59.73 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.95 %
-SAT Score1,420
-ACT Score32
50 %Graduation Rate83 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
75 %Retention Rate92 %
6,230Student Population31,726
296Number of Faculties1,458
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, 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, On-campus daycare