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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $28,291 |
| Tuition and Fees | $19,531 |
| Room and Board | $16,838 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,295 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $15,996 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,516 |
| $30–48k | $13,870 |
| $48–75k | $13,821 |
| $75–110k | $17,590 |
| $110k+ | $23,223 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Salem State graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, compared to the peer median of $21,105, representing $3,895 more in borrowing than typical institutions. Debt levels range from $7,772 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating significant variation in borrowing patterns.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 indicates that typical debt levels require 44% of first-year earnings to repay, placing Salem State in a manageable but elevated range compared to institutions with lower debt loads. Parent PLUS loans average $19,274 with monthly payments of $254, requiring families to plan for long-term repayment obligations.
The combination of moderate earnings and slightly elevated debt creates repayment challenges that require careful financial planning. Students should minimize borrowing where possible and consider in-state residency advantages to reduce overall educational costs.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Salem State delivers $4,787 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 73.1st percentile nationally and demonstrating above-average return on educational investment. Graduates earn $56,662 compared to a peer median of $50,116, creating a $6,546 annual advantage that helps offset higher debt levels over time.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 indicates that loan payments will require significant but manageable portions of early-career income. Over a ten-year repayment period, the $6,546 annual earnings advantage compared to peers can help offset the $3,895 additional debt burden, suggesting positive long-term value despite higher upfront costs.
The investment profile works best for students who complete degrees and enter the workforce, as the earnings premium helps justify the moderate debt load. Students should view Salem State as delivering solid value through above-average earnings growth, though careful borrowing remains important for financial sustainability.
Salem State serves 35.3% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial enrollment of lower-income students though below the most access-focused public institutions. The $9,174 average savings from financial aid reflects meaningful but not exceptional aid distribution.
Net prices by income level suggest that aid concentrates on families earning under $75,000, with more limited support for middle-income families. The financial aid profile aligns with the university's mobility mission, providing access for lower-income students while requiring greater family contribution than the most affordable public alternatives.
Students should expect need-based aid to cover a portion of costs, though work-study, part-time employment, or modest borrowing may be necessary to bridge remaining gaps.
