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Boston Architectural College vs Salem State University

Boston Architectural College is a private college in Boston, MA. Salem State University is a public university in Salem, MA. Salem State University admits about 96% of applicants and Boston Architectural College about 100%, making Salem State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,996 a year at Salem State University after aid, and about $25,865 at Boston Architectural College. About 52% of students graduate at Salem State University, compared with 36% at Boston Architectural College. Ten years after enrolling, Boston Architectural College alumni earn a median of about $62,123, against $56,662 for Salem State University.

Boston Architectural College

Boston, MA · Private

Salem State University

Salem, MA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Boston, MA
Salem, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
280
4,291
Acceptance rate
100%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
990–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
19–23
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,865
$15,996
Full cost / yr
$40,343
$28,291
In-state tuition
$27,470
$12,338
Out-of-state tuition
$27,470
$19,531
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$24,056
$10,516
$30k - $48k
$14,348
$13,870
$48k - $75k
$30,097
$13,821
$75k - $110k
$34,343
$17,590
Over $110k
Not reported
$23,223
Outcomes
Graduation rate
36%
52%
Freshman retention
75%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,619
$48,209
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,123
$56,662
Median debt at graduation
$37,250
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
35%
First-generation students
Not reported
40%
International students
17%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Boston Architectural College or Salem State University harder to get into?
Salem State University is harder to get into. It admits about 96% of applicants, compared with 100% at Boston Architectural College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Boston Architectural 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 $25,865 at Boston Architectural 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 Boston Architectural College and Salem State University?
Before aid, Salem State University costs about $28,291 a year and Boston Architectural College about $40,343. 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, Boston Architectural College or Salem State University?
Salem State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,516 there, against about $24,056 at Boston Architectural College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Boston Architectural College or Salem State University?
Salem State University is the larger of the two, with about 4,291 undergraduates against 280 at Boston Architectural College.
Does Boston Architectural College or Salem State University have a better graduation rate?
Salem State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 52% against 36% at Boston Architectural College.
Do graduates of Boston Architectural College or Salem State University earn more?
Boston Architectural College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,123 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,662 for Salem State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Boston Architectural College and Salem State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Boston Architectural College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Salem State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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