Academic Comparison between Salem State and Hampshire College

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

  • Salem State is a public and Hampshire College is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Hampshire College has more expensive tuition & fees ($56,630) than Salem State ($18,961).
  • It is harder to admit to Hampshire College than Salem State.
  • Salem State has more students with 6,539 students while Hampshire College has 508 students.
  • Hampshire College has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Salem State has more full-time faculties with 293 faculties while Hampshire College has 48 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Hampshire College
Salem, MassachusettsLocationAmherst, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$11,978
Out-Of-State$18,961
2024 Tuition & Fees$56,630
74%% Receiving Financial Aid100%
$8,626Average Amount of Financial Aid$40,098
96.00 %Acceptance Rates69.99 %
17.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.02 %
1,090SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
55 %Graduation Rate60 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
75 %Retention Rate67 %
6,539Student Population508
293Number of Faculties48
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesStudy Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Placement services, On-campus daycare