Overview of Salem State University

Situated in Salem, Massachusetts, Salem State University is a mid-sized public institution offering bachelor, master, and certificate programs. Salem State offers a broad range of majors in the liberal arts and STEM, and a robust student/faculty ratio supports academics. Professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process, which is refreshing in this day and age. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations. The Salem State Vikings play in the NCAA Division III Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC).

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 8,338 (6,811 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 38% Male/62% Female
• 80% Full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $10,642 (in-state); $17,082 (out-of-state)
• Books: $1,200
• Room and Board: $13,778
• Other Expenses: $1,764
• Total Cost: $27,384 (in-state); $33,824 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 90%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 68%
  • Loans: 77%
• Mean Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $6,187
  • Loans: $7,108

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Health Professions and Related Programs; Psychology; Education; and Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 74%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 37%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 58%

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball

Overview of Salem State University Admissions

In 2019, Salem State University accepted over three-quarters of those who submitted applications. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. This institution has a robust admissions process that involves a multitude of academic measures. Applicants must complete an online application. A persuasive essay and glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the admissions offices mean range. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices. Students should make a campus visit to determine if the institution is a good fit for them.

Admissions Data                        

• Salem State University Acceptance Rate: 85%
• Salem State has test-optional admissions
• Test Scores — 25th/75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 490/580
  • SAT Math: 490/560
  • SAT Writing: -/-
  • ACT Cumulative: 20/26
  • ACT English: -/-
  • ACT Math: -/-

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Salem State University, it should be easy to gain admissions to the schools below. If Salem State University is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

University of Texas at El Paso, California State University Sacramento, California State University Northridge, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, California State University East Bay, Kean University, California State University Los Angeles

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Salem State University, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Old Dominion University, Texas State University, Georgia State University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of California, Merced, Liberty University

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than Salem State University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.

University of Alabama, Quinnipiac University, Ohio University, University of North Texas, California State University Long Beach, Pace University, Florida Gulf Coast University

Applying to Salem State University

Application Deadline: Rolling

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

https://www.salemstate.edu/admissions-and-aid/welcome-undergraduate-admissions

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://www.salemstate.edu/apply-now

Graduate Admissions Website:

https://www.salemstate.edu/graduate/admissions

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://www.salemstate.edu/apply-now