At $18,441/yr net price, Salem State University graduates earn $56,662/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,662/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,441 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,764 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,662/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,662/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,384/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,747/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,712/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,398/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,642/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
55.0% of students at Salem State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Salem State University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. Business administration graduates earn nearly $79,000 annually, making it the clear financial winner, while nursing programs consistently produce graduates earning above $69,000 with manageable debt loads around $26,000-$27,000.
The school's $18,441 net price creates a reasonable foundation for ROI, but your program selection determines whether you'll see strong returns. Computer science graduates earn $67,660 with typical debt of $26,250, positioning them well in Massachusetts' tech market. However, rehabilitation and therapeutic professions carry concerning debt levels of $53,255 against $63,005 in earnings, creating a poor debt-to-income ratio.
Salem State presents specific financial risks through its 55% graduation rate and 74% retention rate. If you struggle with the academic transition or don't connect with the campus environment, you risk accumulating debt without a degree. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid (35%) suggests limited institutional grant funding compared to other public universities.
You should consider Salem State if you're targeting business, nursing, or computer science careers and want to stay in the greater Boston area without paying private school premiums. The school works best for students who are certain about their major and can succeed in a less supportive environment. If you need extensive academic support, have undecided career goals, or are considering lower-earning majors not listed among the top programs, other institutions may offer better financial outcomes for your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salem State University worth the money?
Salem State University offers decent value with a net price of $18,441 and graduates earning $56,662 after 10 years, but the 55% graduation rate means many students don't finish. The school works best for students pursuing nursing or business programs, which show significantly higher earnings than the overall average.
What are the best paying majors at Salem State University?
Business administration leads at nearly $79,000 annually, followed by nursing programs around $70,000. Computer science graduates earn about $68,000, while rehabilitation therapy majors make $63,000. These programs offer much better ROI than the university average.
How much student debt do Salem State University graduates have?
Salem State graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable given the $56,662 average earnings 10 years out. Students in high-paying programs like business and nursing can handle this debt load more easily than those in lower-earning fields.
Does Salem State University have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes vary widely by major at Salem State University. While nursing and business graduates do well financially, the 55% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees, which limits their earning potential.