Keene State vs Salem State
Keene State College and Salem State University, both esteemed public institutions in New Hampshire and Massachusetts respectively, offer distinct educational experiences. Keene State boasts a higher acceptance rate (83%) compared to Salem State's (73%), making it a more accessible option for prospective students. While Salem State accommodates a larger student body, Keene State fosters a more intimate learning environment with smaller class sizes. Both universities excel in different academic areas; Keene State is renowned for its strong programs in education, psychology, and business, while Salem State shines in nursing, social work, and communication. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these institutions, including graduation rates, student demographics, and additional factors that may influence your higher education journey.
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![]() Keene State College |
![]() Salem State University |
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Overview |
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Location | Keene, New Hampshire | Salem, Massachusetts |
Campus setting | Town: Distant | Suburb: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 75.0% | 75.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 88.1% | 90.0% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
|
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
|
SAT range | 970 - 1170 | N/A |
ACT range | 24 - 25 | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | 16.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 1.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 4,796 | 6,287 |
Total number of admissions given out | 4,225 | 5,659 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 749 | 939 |
Yield rate | 17.7% | 16.6% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$27,606
Out of state:
$37,962
|
In state:
$27,123
Out of state:
$33,928
|
Average net price | $20,058 | $18,125 |
Tuition |
In state:
$11,754
Out of state:
$22,110
|
In state:
$910
Out of state:
$7,050
|
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$7,730
Meal plan:
$4,798
|
$14,590 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
99.0%
Average amount $9,531 |
91.0%
Average amount $7,673 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
72.0%
Average amount $5,158 |
67.0%
Average amount $4,984 |
Students taking out private loans |
25.0%
Average amount $14,663 |
10.0%
Average amount $12,948 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
2,964
Men 45.5% Women 54.5% |
5,555
Men 34.5% Women 65.5% |
Graduate students |
136
Men 37.5% Women 62.5% |
1,576
Men 21.8% Women 78.2% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
|
Low
|
Out-of-state students | 51.2% | N/A |
International students | 0.4% | 2.5% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Distant | Suburb: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 2,058 | 1,928 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | New Hampshire Mississippi Connecticut Vermont New York | New York New Hampshire Connecticut Rhode Island Vermont |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 15:1 | 13:1 |
Institutional accreditation | New England Commission on Higher Education | New England Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 59.9% | 56.8% |
Dropout rate | 39.9% | 40.8% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
Architecture (Bachelor's Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
Social Work (Master's Degrees)
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees)
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