Salem State University

School Overview

Salem State University is located in Salem, MA, 01970. The university is ranked #94 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Salem State University has an acceptance rate of 96%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 970-1180. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.2.

Salem State University enrolls 4,867 undergraduate students, creating a mid-sized community where students can explore diverse academic interests while still being recognized by their professors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 54% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 36%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Salem State University include Health Professions and Related Programs (23% of students, median early-career salary: $89,918), Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (16% of students, median early-career salary: $65,310), and Psychology (9% of students, median early-career salary: $52,718). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

However, the average net price after financial aid is $18,359, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Salem State University's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Salem State University combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Salem State University is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.