Skip to main content
91.1%Acceptance
$10,638Tuition
6,056Students
67%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$61,515Earnings
#7 in MarylandPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Salisbury University

Salisbury University builds its reputation around strong undergraduate teaching in business, education, and health programs. The full public university enrolls 6,056 students on a small suburban campus in Maryland's Eastern Shore. With a 91% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1250, Salisbury welcomes motivated students who value personalized attention. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the school's commitment to undergraduate education over research. Sea Gulls athletics compete in NCAA Division III with 21 varsity sports and 537 student-athletes.

Students pay an average net price of $16,456 after financial aid, making Salisbury surprisingly affordable for a quality education. Graduates earn a median of $61,515 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt of $21,000. Monthly loan payments average just $223, making the financial burden manageable given career outcomes. In-state students pay only $10,638 in tuition, creating strong value for Maryland residents who make up 83% of the student body.

The school operates on a unique Four-One-Four calendar system that includes a January term for internships or study abroad. With a 96% employment rate after graduation and 68% four-year graduation rate, Salisbury delivers solid career preparation. The 80% retention rate suggests most students find their academic and social fit on the close-knit campus.

Academics & Faculty

Salisbury University operates as a full public university that emphasizes undergraduate teaching across business, education, and health sciences. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class environments where professors know students by name. Students graduate at a 68% rate within four years, reflecting solid academic support systems. The university's full model means undergraduates can explore diverse fields from nursing to teacher preparation programs without the research-focused atmosphere that dominates larger state universities. Business programs attract many of the 6,056 students, while education majors benefit from strong partnerships with local school districts. The focus stays firmly on teaching rather than graduate research, creating an environment where undergraduate learning takes priority.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
69.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
68.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
67.4%
Retention Rate
80.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,515
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $74,576
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $63,267
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $58,221
Information Science/Studies. Bachelor $57,564
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $56,931
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Bachelor $54,296
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $53,537
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. Bachelor $53,358
Economics. Bachelor $48,823
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $48,112

View all 69 programs →

Campus Life

Campus life at Salisbury University centers around a close-knit community where 38% of students live in residence halls among the rolling hills of Maryland's Eastern Shore. The suburban setting sits about two hours from both Baltimore and Washington D.C., giving students access to internships and cultural experiences in major metropolitan areas. With 537 student-athletes competing across 21 Division III sports, Sea Gulls athletics create a strong sense of school pride without the pressure of athletic scholarships.

Students experience all four seasons here, from humid summers to winters that require a good coat when temperatures drop into the 30s. The Four-One-Four academic calendar includes a unique January intersession that allows for intensive courses, study abroad, or internships. Weekend activities often revolve around the Fulton School of Liberal Arts events, outdoor recreation at nearby beaches, or trips to Ocean City just 30 minutes away. The strong regional ties mean 83% of students come from Maryland, creating a tight community feel where the 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name.
Setting
Suburb-Small
Housing Capacity
2,279 beds
Calendar System
Four-One-Four
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1925

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Fondling 6 6 0 0
Stalking 6 2 0 0
Dating Violence 4 3 0 0
Rape 3 2 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0
Burglary 1 0 0 0
Robbery 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
29°–46°F
July Avg
69°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
45.9"
Annual Snowfall
3.2"

Student Demographics

Salisbury draws primarily Maryland residents who stay close to home for quality education at an affordable price. The student body leans female, reflecting the university's strong teacher preparation and health science programs that traditionally attract more women. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing Salisbury serves middle-class families seeking value. The Sea Gulls build a tight-knit community of 6,056 students who appreciate small-town college life on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Most students come from within the state, giving Salisbury a strong regional identity and deep connections to local employers.
Men
44.1%
Women
55.9%
White
69.1%
Black
13.5%
Hispanic
7.4%
Asian
3.1%
In-State Students
83.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
24.1%

Location

Salisbury University sits in Salisbury, Maryland, about 30 miles inland from the Atlantic coast and roughly 120 miles southeast of Baltimore. The campus serves a small city of around 33,000 residents on the Delmarva Peninsula. With 83% of students coming from in-state, many are drawn to this Eastern Shore location that balances small-town charm with access to beaches and the Chesapeake Bay. The area offers a classic college town atmosphere without big city distractions. Students enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities from nearby Assateague Island to the Wicomico River. Students considering colleges in Maryland may also compare Salisbury University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Salisbury, Maryland 21801-6862
Holloway Hall
Holloway Hall
Holloway Hall Historical Marker
Holloway Hall Historical Marker

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,515
Median Earnings (5 years)
$60,422
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$40,000
Loan Repayment Rate
68.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$223/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Salisbury University?

Salisbury University accepts 91% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1180-1320 on the SAT. This public comprehensive university focuses on undergraduate teaching rather than highly selective admissions.

How much does Salisbury University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $16,456 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,351 on average. Graduates leave with a median debt of $21,000, which is manageable given the university's strong focus on practical career preparation.

What academic programs is Salisbury University known for?

Salisbury University excels in business, education, and health programs with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The university operates on a unique Four-One-Four calendar system that includes an intensive January term. This comprehensive public institution emphasizes hands-on learning and undergraduate teaching quality.

What are the job prospects for Salisbury University graduates?

Graduates achieve a 96.1% employment rate and earn a median salary of $61,515 ten years after graduation. The 68% four-year graduation rate reflects the university's commitment to helping students complete degrees efficiently. Strong career services support the transition from classroom to workplace in the region.

Where is Salisbury University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in suburban Salisbury, Maryland, housing 2,279 students in residence halls. With 83% of students coming from in-state, the Sea Gulls create a tight-knit community feel. The university fields 21 varsity sports in NCAA Division III, emphasizing student-athlete academic success over athletic scholarships.

Does Salisbury University offer good value for Maryland residents?

In-state students pay just $10,638 in tuition, making it one of Maryland's most affordable public universities. The 80% retention rate shows students are satisfied with their choice to stay. Founded in 1925, Salisbury has built a reputation for delivering quality education at an accessible price point for Maryland families.