Salem State University
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for health sciences
Salem State University is a public institution in Salem with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1090, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 4.3K undergraduates with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
55% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $56,662 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $18,441.
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •1870s Salem State University was founded in 1854 as the Salem Normal School under the guidance of Horace Mann in his efforts to bring accessible teaching education around the country.
- •The original building had to be renovated in 1871 to meet the growing enrollment.
- •New location The school moved to its current location in South Salem in 1896 in the building known today as the Sullivan Building on North Campus.
- •A few years later the Horace Mann Laboratory School was opened right next door.
- •In 1921, the state authorized the normal schools to offer four-year degree programs, the first one offered being commercial education.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1090
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Action
November 15
Regular Decision
March 1
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Transfer Admission
International Students
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
43.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.6%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,500
Academics
Programs (112)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
74%
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
29
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MA state average + suburban adjustment
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Salem Witch Museumwalkable
Historic museum dedicated to the Salem Witch Trials
Salem Maritime National Historic Sitewalkable
Waterfront historic park with museums and tall ships
Downtown Salemwalkable
Historic downtown with shops, restaurants, and cultural events
Boston
Major city with museums, sports, dining, and entertainment
Days out near Salem
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Lynn, from real bookable tour times.
- Merrimack College · Southern New Hampshire UniversityTwo states46 days
- Gordon College · Northeastern UniversityBig and small44 days