Academic Comparison between Salem State and Lesley University

Salem State University and Lesley University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and Lesley University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Cambridge, 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 Lesley University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Lesley University has more expensive tuition & fees ($32,780) than Salem State ($18,961).
  • It is harder to admit to Lesley University than Salem State.
  • Salem State has more students with 6,539 students while Lesley University has 3,406 students.
  • Lesley University has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Salem State has more full-time faculties with 293 faculties while Lesley University has 143 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Lesley University
Salem, MassachusettsLocationCambridge, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$11,978
Out-Of-State$18,961
2024 Tuition & Fees$32,780
71%% Receiving Financial Aid78%
$8,277Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,150
95.57 %Acceptance Rates94.42 %
17.47 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)7.98 %
1,090SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
55 %Graduation Rate62 %
-Transfer-out Rate20 %
75 %Retention Rate74 %
6,539Student Population3,406
293Number of Faculties143
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio10 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services