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.
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
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
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
Beach Town
Revere Beach, MA
Ocean access within 8.1 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Salem, MA
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
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
Annual costs for the 2023–24 academic year. Source: IPEDS/NCES 2024.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $910 | $7,050 |
| Fees | $10,765 | $11,430 |
| Room & Board | $16,838 | $16,838 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $28,513 | $35,318 |
These are sticker prices. Your actual cost may be much lower with financial aid.
Calculate Your Net PriceFields 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 2023–24 academic year, Salem State University charges $910/year for in-state students and $7,050/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($16,838/year), the total estimated cost for out-of-state students is approximately $35,318/year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly reduce this cost — 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), cost ($7,050/year out-of-state), campus culture in Salem, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Salem State University against similar schools side-by-side.
Data sourced from 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