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Salem State University

Salem, Massachusetts · Public

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$48,209

Acceptance Rate

96%

Graduation Rate

55%

Annual Tuition

$11,978

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Salem State University earn a median of $56,662 ten years after entry — 5% above the national median. Acceptance rate 95.6%, in-state tuition $11,978.

At a Glance

Total Students

4,286

Retention Rate

74%

Faculty Ratio

11

Financial Aid

57%

Median Debt

$25,000

Campus Setting

Suburban

Institution Type

Public

Institution Overview

Salem State University is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 95.6%. The university has a student body of 4,286. The average in-state tuition is $11,978. Over half of students, 56.8%, receive financial aid.

The university's graduation rate is 55.2%, with a retention rate of 73.7%. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $46,092, increasing to $48,209 after five years and $56,662 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $25,000.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$46k

1 YEAR

$48k

5 YEARS

$57k

10 YEARS

Top 39% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, Salem State University alumni earn $46,092. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $48,209. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn $56,662. The median debt for graduates is $25,000.

Salem State University has a 95.6% acceptance rate. The graduation rate is 55.2%, and the retention rate is 73.7%. 56.8% of students receive financial aid. The in-state tuition is $11,978.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Graduates 208 / yr
Median Salary $107,751

Social Work

Graduates 193 / yr
Median Salary $59,851

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

Graduates 159 / yr
Median Salary $52,341

Psychology, General

Graduates 142 / yr
Median Salary $36,492

Criminal Justice and Corrections

Graduates 118 / yr
Median Salary $59,093

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Graduates 115 / yr
Median Salary $87,964

Biology, General

Graduates 73 / yr
Median Salary $45,670

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions

Graduates 69 / yr
Median Salary $66,865

Education, General

Graduates 68 / yr
Median Salary $33,065

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Graduates 62 / yr
Median Salary $59,390

Health and Physical Education/Fitness

Graduates 55 / yr
Median Salary $31,755

History

Graduates 52 / yr
Median Salary $29,307

English Language and Literature, General

Graduates 49 / yr
Median Salary $32,844

Special Education and Teaching

Graduates 48 / yr
Median Salary $58,024

Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

Graduates 44 / yr
Median Salary $56,644

Health and Medical Administrative Services

Graduates 35 / yr
Median Salary $40,506

Geography and Cartography

Graduates 28 / yr
Median Salary $32,504

Student Counseling and Personnel Services

Graduates 21 / yr
Median Salary $51,929

Communication and Media Studies

Graduates 21 / yr
Median Salary $34,302

Educational Administration and Supervision

Graduates 20 / yr
Median Salary $43,968

Sociology

Graduates 17 / yr
Median Salary $39,822

Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language

Graduates 16 / yr
Median Salary $53,757

Chemistry

Graduates 13 / yr
Median Salary $49,439

Fine and Studio Arts

Graduates 8 / yr
Median Salary $26,180

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Campus Location

Salem, Massachusetts

Salem, MA 01970

Salem State University is located in Salem, Massachusetts. The campus is in a suburban setting.

All Colleges in Massachusetts ROI Analysis Affordable in Massachusetts Browse All Majors

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem State University has an acceptance rate of 95.6%.