Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Salem State University vary significantly by field of study, with health professions leading earnings while liberal arts programs focus on different career preparation goals. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 19 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out for national rankings, earnings outcomes, and enrollment strength at Salem State.
#91 nationally
$38K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Salem State University.
Business Administration graduates earn $55,904 with manageable debt of $17,421, ranking #9 in Massachusetts. The program demonstrates solid career preparation with moderate value scores.
Students pursuing business pathways can expect steady earnings growth and broad career flexibility, making this program well-suited for those seeking general management preparation with reasonable financial outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #194 | $55,904 | $17,421 | 83 |
Program rankings reflect actual post-graduation outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data, measuring what graduates earn rather than institutional reputation or program prestige. Earnings represent median income ten years after enrollment for students who completed degrees and entered the workforce. Rankings compare programs against all similar majors nationally and within Massachusetts, providing context for both national competitiveness and regional standing. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in earnings calculations, with larger cohorts providing higher confidence in reported outcomes. Value scores combine earnings, debt levels, and completion rates to assess overall program return on investment. These data reflect outcomes for students who completed degrees and remained in the workforce rather than pursuing immediate graduate study, providing insight into career-focused educational value.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Health programs at Salem State deliver exceptional outcomes, led by Adult Health Nurse/Nursing with earnings of $79,660 and ranking #3 statewide. Clinical Research Coordinator ranks #1 in Massachusetts despite lower earnings of $40,506.
This group shows significant variation, from strong nursing outcomes to specialized clinical roles. These programs suit students prioritizing healthcare careers with clear advancement pathways and strong regional employment demand.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #91 | $79,660★ | — | 162 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #68 | $40,506 | — | 35 |
Biology stands out with $59,961 earnings and exceptional value score of 83.2, ranking #7 statewide. The program combines strong outcomes with moderate debt levels, creating favorable return on investment.
Students interested in life sciences, pre-health preparation, or research careers will find solid earning potential and strong preparation for advanced study.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #57 | $59,961★ | $22,256 | 73 |
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | #144 | $45,696 | — | 13 |
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | — | $38,289 | — | 8 |
Psychology graduates earn $45,094 with moderate debt, serving as one of the university's largest programs with 142 graduates. Forensic Social Work offers specialized preparation with earnings of $41,045, ranking #3 in Massachusetts.
These programs suit students prioritizing social service careers and graduate school preparation over immediate high earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography.Small sample | #47 | $45,988★ | — | 17 |
| Applied/Public Sociology.Small sample | #186 | $45,212 | — | 17 |
| Psychology, General. | #149 | $45,094 | $21,274 | 142 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #140 | $41,045 | — | 63 |
Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $45,305, though with elevated debt levels of $31,761. The program ranks #6 in Massachusetts but shows challenging debt-to-earnings dynamics.
Students should carefully evaluate borrowing levels given the moderate earnings outcomes relative to debt burden in this field.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #205 | $45,305 | $31,761 | 21 |
English Language and Literature graduates earn $36,151, reflecting typical outcomes for liberal arts preparation focused on writing, critical thinking, and communication skills. American History graduates earn $46,900, ranking #8 statewide.
These programs suit students prioritizing intellectual development, graduate school preparation, or careers in education, journalism, and cultural organizations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States). | #108 | $46,900★ | — | 39 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | — | $40,383 | — | 8 |
| General Studies.Small sample | — | $38,122 | — | 7 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #253 | $36,151 | — | 39 |
| Brass Instruments.Small sample | — | $29,520 | — | 8 |
Education, General. leads education with 38K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General.Small sample | #16 | $38,488 | — | 16 |
Corrections Administration delivers exceptional value with earnings of $51,926, ranking #3 in Massachusetts with a strong value score of 81.2. The program demonstrates how specialized criminal justice preparation can translate into solid career outcomes, making it well-suited for students seeking law enforcement or corrections careers with clear advancement potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #34 | $51,926 | $23,080 | 110 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates earn $43,852 with moderate debt levels, ranking #3 statewide and demonstrating solid preparation for fitness, wellness, and health promotion careers. The program offers practical career preparation for the growing health and wellness industry with manageable educational costs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #124 | $43,852 | $19,168 | 55 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
