Salem, MA · Public · 4-year
Salem State University has a 95.6% acceptance rate. Salem State University is a public 4-year institution in Salem, MA, with a median SAT of 1090. The average net price is $15,996 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education.
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.
95.6%
4,852 applicants
1090
Combined score
N/A
Composite score
$15,996
After financial aid
Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Salem State University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:
| Test | 25th percentile | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT (total, 400–1600) | 990 | 1090 | 1160 |
52.4%
75.2%
$56,662
4,291
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Salem State University:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 – $30,000 | $10,516 |
| $30,001 – $48,000 | $13,870 |
| $48,001 – $75,000 | $13,821 |
| $75,001 – $110,000 | $17,590 |
| $110,000+ | $23,223 |
| Major | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|
| Health Professions | 240 |
| Business, Management & Marketing | 169 |
| Psychology | 94 |
| Homeland Security & Criminal Justice | 91 |
| Education | 90 |
| Biological & Biomedical Sciences | 59 |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 47 |
| Public Administration & Social Services | 42 |
| English Language & Literature | 40 |
| Social Sciences | 40 |
Official website: https://www.salemstate.edu/
Admissions: https://www.salemstate.edu/admissions/
Salem State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. it received about 4,852 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1090; the average net price is $15,996 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Salem State University for free using your GPA and test scores.
Getting into Salem State University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 96% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1090. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Salem State University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.
Admitted students at Salem State University typically have a median SAT around 1090. With a 96% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Salem State University is located in Salem, MA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.
The average net price at Salem State University is $15,996 per year after grants and scholarships. about 99% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $8,241 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.
Salem State University has a graduation rate of 52%. its first-year retention rate is 75%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $56,662. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Salem State University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.
For the 2025–26 cycle, Salem State University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1090. With a 96% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Salem State University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.
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