Academic Comparison between Suffolk and Salem State

Suffolk University and Salem State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Suffolk is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Boston, MA and Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, 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.

  • Suffolk is a private (not-for-profit) and Salem State is a public 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

Suffolk Universityvs.Salem State University
Boston, MassachusettsLocationSalem, Massachusetts
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$47,5502025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
94%% Receiving Financial Aid72%
$28,742Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,493
82.33 %Acceptance Rates95.88 %
10.88 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.25 %
1,210SAT Score-
26ACT Score-
61 %Graduation Rate50 %
25 %Transfer-out Rate-
75 %Retention Rate75 %
6,356Student Population6,230
317Number of Faculties296
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening CollegeSpecial 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