Salem State University campus
Salem State University logo

Salem State University

Type 4 year, Public
Campus locale Suburb: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Medium
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 1,928
Student to faculty ratio 13 to 1
Acceptance rate 90%
Students retention rate 75%
On-time graduation rate 57%

Located in Salem, Massachusetts, Salem State is a public, institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate of 90% indicates that Salem State is open to a wide range of applicants, providing opportunities for a diverse student body.

Salem State University is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 13-to-1, Salem State emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

Salem State boasts an impressive student retention rate of 75% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 76% and 72%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

90%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$11,675

Cost of attendance at Salem State University in 2022 for students from Massachusetts.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Massachusetts's average $12,584
National average $8,573

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$18,480

Cost of attendance at Salem State University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Massachusetts's average $24,972
National average $18,862

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 91 of freshman students at Salem State University received on average $7,673 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$7,673
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 415 43% $4,818 $1,999,599
Other Federal Grant 503 52% $4,991 $2,510,373
State Grant/Scholarships 556 58% $3,353 $1,864,040
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 871 90% $2,748 $2,393,184
Total Grant & Scholarships 882 91% $7,673 $6,767,597

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Salem State University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Salem State University students is 56.8%. Female students graduated at a rate of 61.4%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 48.8%.

56.8%

  • asian 56.7% 17 students
  • African American 58.6% 51 students
  • white 57.5% 441 students
  • unknown 44.4% 4 students
  • hispanic 53.7% 72 students
  • International Students 54.6% 6 students
  • Mixed Race 51.2% 21 students

Sport Conferences

  • Baseball Massachusetts State College Athletic Association
  • Basketball Massachusetts State College Athletic Association

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

Salem State University provides the following additional services to its students
  • Remedial services
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Salem State University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic
  • Postbaccalaureate Recreational or avocational education

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army
  • ROTC - Air Force

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Credit for military training
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

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