Campus Identity
Salem State University is a mid-size public university in Salem, MA. Approximately 4,291 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 96% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 8 miles from the ocean. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 52/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Salem State University is a mid-size public university in Salem, MA. Approximately 4,291 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 96% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 8 miles from the ocean. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 52/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.
Campus Lifestyle
Salem State University is a 5,000–9,999, suburban school with NCAA D3 athletics. The campus is 8 miles from Revere Beach, MA and 19 miles from Bradford Ski Area.
Athletics
NCAA D3
Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic
School Size & Setting
5,000–9,999
Suburban setting
Beach Access
8 miles
Revere Beach, MA
Weather
Cold Climate
42°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Salem State University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Bradford Ski Area, 19 miles away with 10 lifts and 48 skiable acres. All are within 28 miles of campus.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
Beach Town
Students at Salem State University are 8 miles from Revere Beach, MA, putting the coast within easy reach any day of the week.
Revere Beach, MA
Ocean access within 8.1 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Salem, MA
Salem has a cool climate, with winters averaging 27°F in Jan and summers peaking around 71°F in Jul.
Station: MARBLEHEAD · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Salem State University in MA earns a composite safety score of 52/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $12,338 | $19,531 |
| Fees | $10,765 | $11,430 |
| Room & Board | $16,838 | $16,838 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $39,941 | $47,799 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
103 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Salem State University located?
Salem State University is located in Salem, MA. The main campus address is 352 Lafayette St, Salem, MA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Salem State University?
Salem State University has an acceptance rate of 96%, making it accessible. Out of 7,953 applicants, 7,625 were admitted in the most recent year. 4,291 students enrolled.
How much does it cost to attend Salem State University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Salem State University charges $12,338/year for in-state students and $19,531/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($16,838/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $18,480/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $15,996/year — what students actually pay. Use Salem State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Salem State University?
The undergraduate application fee at Salem State University is $50. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Salem State University have college sports?
Yes — Salem State University competes at the NCAA D3 level in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic. Division III programs emphasize academic achievement alongside athletic competition, without athletic scholarships.
Is Salem State University the right fit for me?
Whether Salem State University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (96% admit rate), avg net price ($15,996/year after aid), campus culture in Salem, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Salem State University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Salem State University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Salem, MA
- Size
- 5,000–9,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's
- NCAA
- NCAA D3
- Conference
- Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 42°F avg
- App Fee
- $50
- On Campus Safety Score
- 52/100
- Nearest Airport
- Beverly / Danvers, MA (BVY) · 6 mialso BOS (12 mi), LWM (19 mi)
Location
Salem, MA