Salem State University is a public 4-year college in Salem, Massachusetts with 4,291 undergraduates. It admits 96% of applicants, costs an average of $12,921 a year after grants and graduates 49% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Salem State University acceptance rate and admissions
Salem State University admitted 96% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Neither required nor recommended (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
Salem State University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early action | Nov 15, 2026 |
| Regular decision | Jun 1, 2027 |
Next deadline: Early action, Nov 15, 2026. Application fee through the Common App: $50 for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Salem State University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Salem State University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $12,708 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $20,117 |
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $17,678 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $26,037 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $12,921 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $12,921 a year after grants and scholarships, $13,116 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Salem State University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Salem State University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 49% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $62,762 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $22,250 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 35% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Salem State University majors and what graduates earn
Salem State University awarded bachelor's degrees in 51 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from nursing ($95,550).
All 51 majors at Salem State University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Salem State University
19 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 19 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social work | Master's | 115 | $64,709 | $41,000 |
| Teacher education by grade level | Master's | 82 | $54,065 | $20,384 |
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Master's | 52 | $62,996 | $41,000 |
| Teacher education by subject | Master's | 46 | $60,095 | $19,200 |
| Physical and occupational therapy | Master's | 26 | $70,575 | $49,500 |
| School counseling and student services | Master's | 21 | $59,351 | $46,100 |
| Teaching English as a second language | Master's | 20 | n/a | n/a |
| Business administration | Master's | 20 | n/a | n/a |
| Accounting | Master's | 16 | $77,115 | n/a |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design | Master's | 13 | n/a | n/a |
| English | Master's | 11 | $62,456 | n/a |
| Nursing | Master's | 11 | $110,988 | n/a |
| Special education | Master's | 10 | $61,942 | n/a |
| Criminal justice | Master's | 9 | $50,981 | n/a |
| History | Master's | 9 | n/a | n/a |
| Education leadership | Master's | 7 | $53,721 | n/a |
| Geography | Master's | 7 | n/a | n/a |
| Allied health (PA, radiography, therapy and more) | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Mathematics | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 4,291 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 64% women, 36% men
- 12 students for every faculty member
- Setting: large suburb
- Accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Salem State University?
Salem State University admitted 96% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Salem State University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $12,708 for in-state students and $20,117 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $12,921 a year in 2024-25.
Is Salem State University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Salem State University reported that test scores were: neither required nor recommended. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Salem State University?
49% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Salem State University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $62,762 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Massachusetts · Salem State University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.