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Salem State University

Salem, MA·Public·4,286 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 4,286 students.

96%
Accept
4,286
Students
$18,441
Net Price
55%
Grad Rate
$47,100
Earnings
10 yr
$19,500
Debt

About This School

Salem State University is a public institution located in Salem, Massachusetts with approximately 4,286 undergraduate students enrolled. Salem State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 96%. The average net price after financial aid is $18,441 per year. The graduation rate is 55%, and the typical graduate earns $47,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

Salem State University is a public university in Salem, Massachusetts, United States. Established in 1854, it is the oldest and largest institute of higher education on the North Shore and is part of the state university system in Massachusetts.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the 96% acceptance rate and $18,441 average net price make this an accessible, affordable option for Massachusetts students, but the 55% graduation rate is a real concern — nearly half of students who start don't finish, which is worth taking seriously. Worth considering if you're drawn to the Salem area, need a budget-friendly public school, and have a clear plan to stay on track, since median earnings of $47,100 after 10 years are modest but the $19,500 median debt load is at least reasonable by today's standards.

Founded
1854
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Health Professions21%
Business & Marketing20%
Psychology12%
Education7%
Biological Sciences7%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Social Sciences4%
Communications3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Julie McNivenTom ThibodeauCharlotte Forten Grimké

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1090
Reading 75th %ile590
Math 75th %ile570

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$11,978
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,961
Avg Net Price
$18,441
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants35%
Median debt at graduation$19,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
55%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
74%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.4x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White56%
Black9%
Hispanic/Latino23%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,286 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Salem State University

352 Lafayette St

Salem, MA 01970

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Massachusetts

Browse all Massachusetts schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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