Salem State University

5/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Salem, MA
0 reviews

#11 Best Public Universities in Massachusetts

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

6,230

Location Salem, Massachusetts
Website salemstate.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Large Suburban

Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Salem State University is located in Salem, Massachusetts, approximately 15 miles north of Boston along the state's North Shore. The public institution, founded in 1854 as Salem Normal School, occupies multiple campuses spread across 115 acres in Salem and neighboring communities. The university's academic programs emphasize liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies, with notable strength in nursing, education, and business administration. The campus features a mix of historic Victorian-era buildings and modern facilities, including the Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons, while student housing is available across six residence halls accommodating undergraduate and graduate students. The university maintains Division III athletic programs as part of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, with teams competing as the Vikings.

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Ratings

Salem State University is rated within the lower 40% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10.

Overall Rating

5 out of 10
Academics

3 out of 10
Resources

6 out of 10
Outcomes

5 out of 10
Value

2 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for Salem State University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

Best Colleges in the U.S.

#779
Best Public Colleges in the U.S.

#280
Best Colleges in Massachusetts

#41
Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts

#11
Best Value Colleges in Massachusetts

#71

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Very Easy

GPA 3.17

Acceptance Rate

95.9%

Applications Due Jun 1, 2027
Enrollment Rate 11.3%
Application Fee $50

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Massachusetts Resident Tuition

$12,338

Out of State Resident Tuition

$19,531

Breakdown

Tuition $12,338
Books and Supplies $1,200
Other Fees $11,428
Room and Board $16,838
Budget for Other Expenses $1,784
Total One Year Cost $43,588

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$44,400 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

42% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Salem State University are Business, Health Professions, and Education. 23% of students major in Business, 17% in Health Professions, and 9% in Education.