Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Salem, Massachusetts |
| Online | salemstate.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus 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.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Salem State University is rated within the lower 41% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Salem State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#783 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#281 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#43 in Best Colleges in Massachusetts
#11 in Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts
#94 in Best Value Colleges in Massachusetts
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 990/1160 |
| GPA | 3.17 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jun 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Massachusetts Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $11,068 |
| Room and Board | $16,378 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,784 |
| Total One Year Cost | $31,340 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $11,068 |
| Room and Board | $16,378 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,784 |
| Total One Year Cost | $37,480 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 23% |
| Health Professions | 17% |
| Education | 9% |
| Psychology | 7% |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Salem State University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=167729 IPEDS survey data for Salem State University.
Current students may use the Salem State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025