Salem State University vs Quincy College: which has better ROI?
Salem State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $63,984 in 7.7 years versus 8.3 years at Quincy College, on median earnings of $56,662 vs $52,506 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Salem State University | Quincy College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,996 | $17,126 |
| Total net cost | $63,984 | $34,252 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,662 | $52,506 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $13,874 |
| Payback | 7.7 yrs | 8.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $102,056 | $48,668 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Salem State University or Quincy College?
Salem State University, at $15,996 a year after aid versus $17,126 — a gap of $1,130 a year, or $29,732 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Salem State University or Quincy College graduates earn more?
Salem State University graduates report a median $56,662 ten years after entry, $4,156 more than the $52,506 at Quincy College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Salem State University or Quincy College?
Quincy College: its completers carry a median $13,874 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Salem State University, a difference of $11,126. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
50% of students finish at Salem State University, against 15% at Quincy College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.