Salem State University: 92.7% Acceptance Rate

92.7%Acceptance

$11,978Tuition

4,286Students

55%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$56,662Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Salem State University

Salem State University builds careers for working-class Massachusetts students who want practical degrees without crushing debt. The 4,286-student campus serves primarily first-generation college students with strong programs in education, business, and nursing. Nearly 92% of students come from Massachusetts, creating a tight-knit community in Salem's historic setting just north of Boston.

Students pay an average net price of $18,441 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options in Massachusetts higher education. Graduates earn a median of $56,662 ten years after graduation, while typical student loan debt sits at $25,000. The monthly loan payment of $265 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. Over 35% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's mission to serve students from lower-income families.

The student body is 64% women and increasingly diverse, with 23% Hispanic students and 9% Black students. The 55% graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation students face, but the 96% employment rate shows that those who complete degrees find work. With a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention that helps them navigate college successfully.

Academics & Faculty

Salem State builds its reputation around accessible education for working-class Massachusetts families. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid support in practical career programs. Education, business, and nursing draw the most students to this former teachers' college founded in 1854. However, the 55% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges many first-generation college students face. Salem State operates as a regional full university rather than a research institution. Programs focus on job preparation over theoretical study. The school serves students who often work while attending classes. Faculty emphasize hands-on learning in fields like criminal justice and social work. Most graduates stay in Massachusetts after earning their degrees.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 99.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 55.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 55.0%
Retention Rate: 73.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $56,662
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$78,971
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$71,854
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$69,261
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$67,660
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Master	$63,005
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Master	$59,124
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$54,855
Social Work.	Master	$50,606
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$48,302
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$48,041

View all 112 programs →

Campus Life

Salem State draws 92% of its students from Massachusetts, creating a tight-knit community where many students commute from nearby towns. The campus sits about 20 miles north of Boston, close enough for day trips to the city but far enough to maintain its own identity in historic Salem. With housing for 1,675 students and total enrollment of 4,286, roughly 40% live on campus while others commute from the North Shore area.

New England winters mean heavy coats and snow boots from December through March, while fall brings perfect weather for walking around Salem's witch trial sites and waterfront. The 64% female student body reflects the university's strong education and nursing programs. Students often spend weekends exploring Salem's tourist attractions, taking the commuter rail to Boston, or attending Vikings athletic events. With 15 varsity sports and NCAA Division III competition, games draw modest but loyal crowds. The Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference keeps rivalries regional and accessible for families and friends to attend.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 1,675 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1854

Campus Safety (2023)

54 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Rape	8	5	0
Burglary	5	4	0
Domestic Violence	6	3	0
Dating Violence	4	4	0
Fondling	3	3	0
Stalking	2	2	0
Aggravated Assault	1	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0
Murder	0	0	1
Robbery	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–36°F
July Avg: 60°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.0"
Annual Snowfall: 39.1"

Student Demographics

Salem State draws heavily from Massachusetts communities, with 92% of students staying close to home for college. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in education and nursing programs that traditionally attract female students. More than one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to serving first-generation and working-class families. The diverse student population includes significant Hispanic and Black representation. Students typically come from families earning modest incomes, making Salem State an accessible pathway to careers in teaching, healthcare, and business for Massachusetts residents.

Men: 35.8%
Women: 64.2%
White: 56.0%
Black: 8.5%
Hispanic: 23.2%
Asian: 2.9%
In-State Students: 92.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.3%

Location

Salem State University sits in Salem, Massachusetts, about 20 miles north of Boston. The historic city of 44,000 residents draws millions of tourists annually for its witch trial history and Halloween festivities. Students can reach downtown Boston in roughly 45 minutes by commuter rail. Salem's coastal location provides access to beaches and harbor activities along the North Shore. The campus blends into this mid-sized city rather than dominating it like a traditional college town. With 91.97% of students coming from Massachusetts, most are already familiar with the region's New England character. The proximity to Boston opens internship and job opportunities while keeping costs lower than urban campuses. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Salem State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Salem, Massachusetts 01970

Walkway in Front of Bowditch Hall, Salem State University

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $56,662
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,219
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $39,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 61.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Salem State University?

Salem State University accepts 92.66% of applicants, making it highly accessible to Massachusetts students. The average SAT score is 1098, reflecting the university's mission to serve first-generation college students and provide educational opportunities to a diverse student body.

How much does Salem State University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Salem State University is $18,441 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,384 after aid, while 35.31% receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the school's commitment to affordability for working-class families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Salem State University?

Salem State University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in the classroom. The university is known for strong programs in education, business, and nursing, with many students pursuing careers in public service and healthcare.

What are the graduation outcomes at Salem State University?

Salem State University has a 55% six-year graduation rate, with graduates earning a median salary of $56,662 ten years after enrollment. The school serves many first-generation college students, and 96.1% of graduates find employment, reflecting the practical nature of its career-focused programs.

Where is Salem State University located and what is campus life like?

Salem State University sits in the historic city of Salem, Massachusetts, with housing for 1,675 students on campus. The Vikings compete in 15 NCAA Division III sports with 267 total athletes, creating a close-knit community atmosphere in this large suburban setting.

Does Salem State University serve a diverse student population?

Salem State University enrolls 4,286 students who are 64.23% women and represent diverse backgrounds, with 23.15% Hispanic and 8.52% Black students. Nearly 92% of students come from Massachusetts, making it a vital educational resource for the state's increasingly diverse population.