Academic Comparison between WPI and Salem State

Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Salem State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. WPI is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Worcester, 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.

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

Worcester Polytechnic Institutevs.Salem State University
Worcester, MassachusettsLocationSalem, Massachusetts
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$60,7652025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
96%% Receiving Financial Aid72%
$30,806Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,493
60.16 %Acceptance Rates95.88 %
18.08 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.25 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
90 %Graduation Rate50 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
94 %Retention Rate75 %
7,584Student Population6,230
444Number of Faculties296
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 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