Salem State University

Salem State University's published cost of attendance is $27,615 per year, including $18,961 in out-of-state tuition (or $11,978 for Massachusetts residents), $16,378 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $18,441 after financial aid, representing savings of $9,174 from the sticker price.

This net price sits $4,348 above the peer median of $14,093, indicating higher costs than typical public comprehensive universities. The difference reflects Massachusetts' higher cost structure and Salem State's comprehensive residential program offerings.

For in-state students, the lower base tuition creates more favorable net pricing, while out-of-state students face significantly higher costs before aid. The substantial gap between sticker price and net cost demonstrates meaningful financial aid distribution, though families should expect to contribute more than at peer institutions.

Students should budget for additional expenses beyond tuition and room and board, including transportation, personal expenses, and potential summer housing costs given the university's location in the Greater Boston area.

Salem State graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time, with outcomes based on cohorts of 264 at six years, 306 at eight years, and 239 at ten years. Median earnings rise from $48,209 six years after enrollment to $54,540 at eight years and $56,662 at ten years, representing 17.5% growth from the six-year mark.

These figures provide solid confidence given the consistent cohort sizes across measurement periods. Graduates earn $4,787 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Salem State at the 73.1st percentile for earnings uplift.

Low-income graduates earn $42,100, indicating positive outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds, though below the top-performing institutions. Earnings span from $29,605 at the 25th percentile to $93,086 at the 75th percentile, reflecting significant differences in program choice and career trajectory.

Approximately 28.5% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education paths.

Salem State University admits 95.6% of applicants, meaning roughly 19 in 20 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Salem State within the Open Access category, where institutions prioritize broad educational opportunity over selective screening.

The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that Salem State is more accessible than typical four-year institutions, reflecting its mission to serve diverse student populations including working adults, transfer students, and first-generation college students. This level of accessibility means that most academically qualified students can expect admission, though meeting basic eligibility requirements remains important.

Salem State's open admission policy supports its role as a mobility-focused institution, providing educational opportunities for students who might face barriers at more selective universities. Students should view Salem State as a realistic option regardless of test scores or GPA, though they should still demonstrate college readiness through coursework and preparation.

The high acceptance rate reflects institutional commitment to access rather than academic quality concerns, as evidenced by above-average graduate earnings and strong career outcomes.

Salem State offers 11 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #85 nationally and #3 in Massachusetts, producing 162 graduates with median earnings of $79,660 and a strong value score of 69.3.

Psychology ranks #147 nationally and #10 in Massachusetts, graduating 142 students with median earnings of $45,094. Corrections Administration ranks #37 nationally and #3 in Massachusetts, graduating 110 students with median earnings of $51,926 and an exceptional value score of 81.2.

Business Administration ranks #198 nationally and #9 in Massachusetts, with 83 graduates earning $55,904. Biology ranks #63 nationally and #7 in Massachusetts, graduating 73 students with median earnings of $59,961 and a strong value score of 83.2.

Clinical Research Coordinator ranks #1 in Massachusetts, reflecting the university's specialized health-focused programming strengths.