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Salem State University

Salem, Massachusetts · Public · 4,291 undergrads

Salem State University admits 96% of applicants (fall 2024, federal IPEDS data).

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Can I get into Salem State University?

96% of applicants get in

Nearly everyone who applies gets in. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 990–1160 on the SAT.

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Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.

7,953 applied, 7,625 admitted, fall 2024 (IPEDS).

What does Salem State University cost?

$12,921 a year in-state

Out of state: about $20,330 a year

What in-state students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The in-state sticker price, with housing and food, is $26,037.

Tap your family income:

Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000$8,474
$30,000–$48,000$10,094
$48,000–$75,000$10,214
$75,000–$110,000$12,912
over $110,000$22,319

Out-of-state tuition is $20,117 a year, against $12,708 in state. The out-of-state figure adds that $7,409 to the in-state average. Out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more.

Own a business or have divorced parents? Run Salem State University's own calculator.

Net price 2024-25, College Scorecard.

What it's like

4,291
undergrads. Mid-size: plenty of people, and professors who can learn your name.
Suburb
Campus setting in Salem, MA.
75%
of first-years come back for year two.
41%
finish in four years. 55% within six.
$62.8k
median pay 10 years after starting.
$22.3k
median federal debt at graduation.

Lists Salem State University is on

Easiest to get into in MassachusettsCheapest after aid in Massachusetts

Questions people ask

What is Salem State University's acceptance rate?
96% for fall 2024: 7,625 of 7,953 applicants were admitted (IPEDS).
What SAT score do you need for Salem State University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 990 to 1160 (IPEDS, fall 2023). A quarter scored higher and a quarter lower, so a score in that range is typical, not a cutoff.
How much does Salem State University cost for a family earning $60,000?
In-state families earning $48,000–$75,000 paid an average of $10,214 a year after grants in 2024-25 (students who got federal aid). The sticker price is $26,037.
How much does Salem State University cost for out-of-state students?
Out-of-state tuition at Salem State University is $20,117 a year, against $12,708 for in-state students in 2025-26. In-state students who got federal aid paid $12,921 on average after grants in 2024-25. Adding the $7,409 tuition gap gives about $20,330 a year from out of state. Out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more.
What is Salem State University's graduation rate?
55% of students finish within six years and 41% within four (IPEDS).