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Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Salem State University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private institute in Cambridge, MA, and Salem State University is a public university in Salem, MA. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% 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 $20,111 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. About 96% of students graduate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, compared with 52% at Salem State University. Ten years after enrolling, Massachusetts Institute of Technology alumni earn a median of about $143,372, against $56,662 for Salem State University.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA · Private

Salem State University

Salem, MA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Cambridge, MA
Salem, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,535
4,291
Acceptance rate
5%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1520–1580
990–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
34–36
19–23
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,111
$15,996
Full cost / yr
$82,730
$28,291
In-state tuition
$62,396
$12,338
Out-of-state tuition
$62,396
$19,531
Application fee
$75
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$10,516
$30k - $48k
$93
$13,870
$48k - $75k
$1,480
$13,821
$75k - $110k
$11,555
$17,590
Over $110k
$48,479
$23,223
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
52%
Freshman retention
99%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$131,633
$48,209
Median earnings (10 yr)
$143,372
$56,662
Median debt at graduation
$14,768
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
35%
First-generation students
26%
40%
International students
12%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 4
Rolling

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Salem State University harder to get into?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is harder to get into. It admits about 5% 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, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Salem State University?
Salem State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,996 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,111 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Salem State University?
Before aid, Salem State University costs about $28,291 a year and Massachusetts Institute of Technology about $82,730. 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, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Salem State University?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,533 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, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Salem State University?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the larger of the two, with about 4,535 undergraduates against 4,291 at Salem State University.
Does Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Salem State University have a better graduation rate?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 52% at Salem State University.
Do graduates of Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Salem State University earn more?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology alumni earn more on average: a median of about $143,372 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,662 for Salem State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Salem State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology requires SAT or ACT scores. Salem State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Salem State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1520–1580 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and 990–1160 at Salem State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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