Academic Comparison between Salem State and Williams

Salem State University and Williams College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and Williams is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Williamstown, 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 Williams is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Williams has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,560) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Williams than Salem State.
  • Salem State has more students with 6,230 students while Williams has 2,164 students.
  • Williams has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Williams has more full-time faculties with 309 faculties while Salem State has 296 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Williams College
Salem, MassachusettsLocationWilliamstown, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
2025 Tuition & Fees$68,560
72%% Receiving Financial Aid56%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$66,207
95.88 %Acceptance Rates8.25 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)43.00 %
-SAT Score1,540
-ACT Score34
50 %Graduation Rate94 %
-Transfer-out Rate1 %
75 %Retention Rate97 %
6,230Student Population2,164
296Number of Faculties309
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesROTC, Study Abroad
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare