Salem State University
About Salem State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Salem State University is a public university in Salem, Massachusetts, on the North Shore. It offers programs in nursing, education, business, and social work and is one of the most affordable options in the Massachusetts state university system.
Founded
1854
Location
Salem, Massachusetts
Students
5,654
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
95.9%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
49.8%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$12,338
Out-of-state: $19,531
Avg Net Price
$15,996
After financial aid
SAT Average
1090
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$56,662
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$50
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Rolling
Salem State University accepts the majority of applicants at 95.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1090/ 1600
ACT Scores
N/A
Not reported
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
49.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
75.3%
4-Year Grad
42%
6-Year Grad
57%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$10.6K
Class Size
Medium
The 42% graduation rate is below average, but 75.3% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$12,338
In-State
$19,531
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,838
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$28,291
After Financial Aid
$15,996
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,516
Receive Grants
35.4%
Take Loans
49.1%
The full cost of attendance is about $28,291/yr for in-state students, including $16,838 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $15,996. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $19,531.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Salem State University fund their education.
While in School
35.4%
Get Grants
Free money
49.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$43,677
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$265/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $57K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Salem State University.
Gender
63.6%
Female
36%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
4,291
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,363
Graduates
40.3%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
13.1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 64% of the student body. 40.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
4,291
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Salem State University fields 10 varsity teams with 315 student athletes, about 7% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
MASCAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Ice Hockey
Student Athletes
315
7% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
50% / 50%
159
Men
156
Women
7
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Salem State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$56,662
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$81K
163 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$36K
138 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$57K
74 grads
4yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$45K
74 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$46K
67 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
—
56 grads
Graduates earn about $48K six years out, growing to $57K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Salem State University
What is the acceptance rate at Salem State University?▾
How much does Salem State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Salem State University?▾
How much do Salem State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.