S

Salem State University

Salem, Massachusetts — 352 Lafayette St, 01970

Annual Tuition $11,978
Enrollment 4,286
Acceptance Rate 95.6%
Median Salary $56,662

Salem State University is a leading Public institution located in Salem, Massachusetts. Established to provide high-quality education, Salem State University offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

Salem State University Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 1/1/1965
Location Salem, Massachusetts
Type Public
Total Enrollment 4,286 students
Median Salary $56,662

Salem State University — Institution Overview

Institution Name Salem State University
Location Salem, Massachusetts
Official Website https://www.salemstate.edu/
Address 352 Lafayette St
Salem, MA 01970
Institution Type Public
Total Students 4,286

Salem State University Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 95.6% Open Admission
Avg. SAT Score 1,090 out of 1600
ACT Midpoint N/A

SAT Score Breakdown

Section Average 25th %ile 75th %ile
Math 480 570
Evidence-Based Reading 510 590

Salem State University Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $11,978
Out-of-State Tuition $18,961
Pell Grant Rate 35.3%
Median Debt (Completers) $25,000

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

Salem State University cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $13,384/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $14,747/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $17,712/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $21,398/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $13,384 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Admission Chance

Compare your SAT or ACT score with the middle 50% of enrolled students.

95.6% acceptance rate

Is Salem State University hard to get into?

SAT score range

990 - 1,160

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Math480 - 570
Reading510 - 590

Check your admission chances

Enter your score to see whether this school is a reach, target, or safety option.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from Salem State University, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Business Administration, Management and Operations. salary after Salem State University

Master's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $78,971 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $87,964
2

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. salary after Salem State University

Master's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $71,854 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $107,751 4yr: $72,163
3

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. salary after Salem State University

Bachelor's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $69,261 median/yr
Median debt $28,500 at graduation
Salary/debt 243% ROI ratio
1yr: $80,641 4yr: $79,660

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

Salem State University Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

95.6% Open Admission

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 4,286
Undergrad 2,900
Retention Rate 73.7% full-time
Full-Time Students 86.8%

Courses and Academic Programs at Salem State University

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Bachelor's
Graduates 308
Psychology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 285
Social Work.
Master's
Graduates 248
Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Bachelor's
Graduates 211
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Bachelor's
Graduates 172
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 156
Accounting and Related Services.
Bachelor's
Graduates 152
Biology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 148
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Master's
Graduates 130
Social Work.
Bachelor's
Graduates 120
Showing top 10 of 87 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at Salem State University

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $56,662 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $48,209
Graduation Rate 55% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — Salem State University
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $48,209
10 Years After Entry $56,662
Is Salem State University Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $18,441
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $56,662
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 326000%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at Salem State University

Total Students 4,286
Undergrad 2,900
Graduate 1,386
Retention Rate 73.7% full-time

Gender Breakdown

64.2%
35.8%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 86.8%
Part-time
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

White
56%
Hispanic
23.2%
Black
8.5%
Two or More Races
3.6%
International
3.1%
Asian
2.9%
Unknown / Unreported
2.7%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 22
🎓
First-Generation 40.3%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 55.9%
🎖️
Veterans 0.8%
💍
Married Students 4.7%
📅
Students Age 25+ 13.1%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 20%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $71,187
Average Family Income $62,196
Median Family Income $43,677

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

46.3%
53.7%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at Salem State University

Salem State University participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 35.3% of students
Federal Loan Rate 56.8% of students
Avg Net Price $18,441 after aid
Median Debt $25,000 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $25,000
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $7,772
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $27,000

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact Salem State University's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Salem State University Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 1/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 55%
Median Graduate Salary $56,662
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms Salem State University meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for Salem State University

Frequently Asked Questions about Salem State University

What is the acceptance rate at Salem State University?

Salem State University has an acceptance rate of 95.6%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at Salem State University?

Tuition at Salem State University is $11,978 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of Salem State University?

Graduates of Salem State University earn a median salary of $56,662 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is Salem State University located?

Salem State University is located at 352 Lafayette St, Salem, Massachusetts 01970. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

View Methodology & E-E-A-T Compliance