College comparison

Salem State University vs State University of New York at Cortland

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	Salem State University Salem, MA	State University of New York at Cortland Cortland, NY
Acceptance rateState University of New York at Cortland is more selective	96%	60%
SAT (25–75)	—	—
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	4,291	5,901
Avg net price	$15,996	$22,345
Median earnings (10 yr)State University of New York at Cortland reports higher median earnings	$56,662	$60,236
Graduation rate	50%	68%
Median debt	$25,000	$21,500
Economic mobility	1.9%	—
Test policy	—	—
Type	Public	Public

Quick answers

Is Salem State University or State University of New York at Cortland harder to get into?

State University of New York at Cortland is more selective: Salem State University's acceptance rate is approximately 96% and State University of New York at Cortland's is approximately 60% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Salem State University vs State University of New York at Cortland?

The middle-50% SAT range is — at Salem State University and — at State University of New York at Cortland. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.