Academic Comparison between Salem State and WPI

Salem State University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and WPI is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Worcester, 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 WPI is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • WPI has more expensive tuition & fees ($60,765) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to WPI than Salem State.
  • WPI has more students with 7,584 students while Salem State has 6,230 students.
  • Salem State has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while WPI's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • WPI has more full-time faculties with 444 faculties while Salem State has 296 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Salem, MassachusettsLocationWorcester, 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 (high research activity)
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
2025 Tuition & Fees$60,765
72%% Receiving Financial Aid96%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$30,806
95.88 %Acceptance Rates60.16 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.08 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
50 %Graduation Rate90 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
75 %Retention Rate94 %
6,230Student Population7,584
296Number of Faculties444
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 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