Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 55.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.0%
- Retention Rate
- 73.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $56,662
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 61.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $78,971 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $71,854 | $26,375 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,261 | $27,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $67,660 | $26,250 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $63,005 | $53,255 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $59,124 | $16,500 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $54,855 | $19,649 |
| Social Work. | Master | $50,606 | $40,594 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $48,302 | $32,512 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $48,041 | $20,658 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,729 | $15,041 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $47,260 | $40,844 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $45,696 | $25,750 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Master | $44,356 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,328 | $24,250 |
Outcomes Overview
Salem State graduates earn a median of $56,662 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 44% with typical debt loads of $25,000. Monthly loan payments of $265 consume about 5.6% of median income, which sits below the recommended 10% threshold. The university's strong nursing and education programs funnel graduates into stable public sector careers with predictable advancement paths. Many first-generation college students find reliable employment in Massachusetts healthcare systems and school districts. With 96.1% of graduates finding employment and moderate debt burdens relative to earnings, Salem State delivers an average return on investment that serves its mission of providing accessible higher education to working-class families.