Salem State University vs Westfield State University: which has better ROI?
Westfield State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $66,884 in 7.4 years versus 7.7 years at Salem State University, on median earnings of $57,346 vs $56,662 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Salem State University | Westfield State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,996 | $16,721 |
| Total net cost | $63,984 | $66,884 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,662 | $57,346 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $22,457 |
| Payback | 7.7 yrs | 7.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $102,056 | $112,836 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Salem State University or Westfield State University?
Salem State University, at $15,996 a year after aid versus $16,721 — a gap of $725 a year, or $2,900 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 Westfield State University graduates earn more?
Westfield State University graduates report a median $57,346 ten years after entry, $684 more than the $56,662 at Salem State University. 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 Westfield State University?
Westfield State University: its completers carry a median $22,457 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Salem State University, a difference of $2,543. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
54% of students finish at Westfield State University, against 50% at Salem State University. 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.