Amherst College vs Salem State University
Amherst College is a private college in Amherst, MA, and Salem State University is a public university in Salem, MA. Amherst College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 9% of applicants against 96% at Salem State University. Salem State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,996 a year against $23,367 at Amherst College. About 94% of students graduate at Amherst College, compared with 52% at Salem State University. Ten years after enrolling, Amherst College alumni earn a median of about $77,644, against $56,662 for Salem State University.
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Amherst College or Salem State University harder to get into?
- Amherst College is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 96% at Salem State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Amherst College or Salem State University?
- Salem State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,996 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,367 at Amherst College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Amherst College and Salem State University?
- Before aid, Salem State University costs about $28,291 a year and Amherst College about $87,640. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Amherst College or Salem State University?
- Amherst College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,086 there, against about $10,516 at Salem State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Amherst College or Salem State University?
- Salem State University is the larger of the two, with about 4,291 undergraduates against 1,911 at Amherst College.
- Does Amherst College or Salem State University have a better graduation rate?
- Amherst College has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 52% at Salem State University.
- Do graduates of Amherst College or Salem State University earn more?
- Amherst College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,644 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,662 for Salem State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Amherst College and Salem State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Amherst College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Salem State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Amherst College and Salem State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1580 at Amherst College and 990–1160 at Salem State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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