Salisbury University combines accessible admission with above-average outcomes, delivering $11,399 more in graduate earnings than peer institutions while maintaining manageable debt levels and solid completion rates across diverse student backgrounds.
With above average results, driven by solid long-term earnings relative to educational investment
Above average performance in controlling costs and debt levels for students
Showing typical enrollment patterns for Pell-eligible and first-generation students relative to similar institutions
With well above average performance, reflecting the institution's ability to support diverse students toward strong career outcomes
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisSalisbury University demonstrates solid return on investment through controlled debt levels and steady earnings growth. Graduates earn a median of $61,515 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 74th percentile nationally and exceeding the peer median by $11,399.
Earnings beyond expectations show around the national average performance at $-669, placing the institution in the 52.9th percentile for this measure. Low-income graduates earn $48,400, ranking in the top half nationally.
Students seeking above-average outcomes at a public university with open access admission. Well-suited for those who want selective academic standards without highly competitive admission, particularly in business, health professions, and social work programs where Salisbury University delivers strong regional rankings.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Salisbury University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/salisbury-university/analysis.
Selective Achiever with open access admission
Salisbury University's mobility performance leads its institutional profile, ranking well above average at the 84.1st percentile nationally. Located in Salisbury, Maryland, this medium-sized public university maintains open access admission with an 88.6% acceptance rate while delivering above-average post-graduation outcomes.
The institution enrolls 24.1% Pell-eligible students and 29.2% first-generation students, demonstrating typical access levels for its peer group. Students achieve SAT scores ranging from 1180 to 1310, with a median of 1250, reflecting top-tier academic preparation that ranks at the 96th percentile nationally.
This combination of accessible admission and strong academic credentials positions Salisbury University as a Selective Achiever, serving fewer low-income students while maintaining solid outcomes. The university's 80.3% retention rate and 67.5% completion rate indicate consistent student support, with Pell-eligible students graduating at 66.8%, showing minimal completion gaps across economic backgrounds.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Salisbury University maintains moderate pricing for a public institution, with a published cost of attendance of $26,134 annually. This breaks down to $21,332 for out-of-state tuition, $13,416 for room and board, and $1,300 for books and supplies.
However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with net price averaging $16,456 across all income levels. Financial aid covers an average of $9,678 in costs, reducing the burden substantially from the sticker price.
Compared to peer institutions, Salisbury University prices $2,363 below the peer median net price of $14,093, indicating above-average affordability within its institutional category. In-state students benefit from significantly reduced tuition of $10,638, making the institution particularly accessible for Maryland residents.
The university's cost structure reflects typical public university pricing, with room and board representing the largest component after tuition. Students should expect total costs to align with regional public university norms, though financial aid substantially reduces out-of-pocket expenses for most families.
The moderate cost structure positions Salisbury University as an affordable option for middle-class families while remaining accessible to lower-income students through need-based aid.
Salisbury University graduates demonstrate consistent earnings progression over their early careers. Median earnings increase from $51,926 six years after enrollment to $57,867 at eight years and $61,515 at ten years, representing 18.5% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect data from substantial cohorts, with 2,410 graduates in the ten-year earnings analysis, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $11,399 more annually than the peer median of $50,116, positioning Salisbury University above typical regional public institutions.
The earnings range from $40,522 to $86,247 demonstrates meaningful variation based on program choice and career trajectory. Low-income graduates earn $48,400, showing strong economic outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Approximately 25.4% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating the institution prepares students for both workforce entry and advanced education. The consistent upward trajectory in earnings suggests graduates develop marketable skills that translate to career advancement over time.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
North Carolina Central University Similar quality tier in Southeast (#463 ranked) | NC | 90% | $42,968 | #463 | Compare |
Salem State University Similar quality tier (#473 ranked) | MA | 96% | $56,662 | #473 | Compare |
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock Similar quality tier (#461 ranked) | AR | 58% | $45,265 | #461 | Compare |
Nicholls State University Similar quality tier (#474 ranked) | LA | 96% | $45,454 | #474 | Compare |
Boise State University Similar quality tier (#475 ranked) | ID | 84% | $51,658 | #475 | Compare |
Artificial Intelligence.
39 graduates
Banking and Financial Support Services.
56 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
63 graduates
Information Science/Studies.
55 graduates
Acoustics.
20 graduates
Salisbury University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data available for analysis. Forensic Social Work stands out with a #10 national ranking and #1 state ranking, graduating 137 students with median earnings of $51,043 and an impressive value score of 95.3.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology ranks #48 nationally and #2 in Maryland, producing 134 graduates earning $52,136. Adult and Continuing Education ranks #39 nationally and #3 in the state, graduating 136 students with median earnings of $49,313.
Business Administration ranks #156 nationally and #4 in Maryland, with 97 graduates earning $64,913. Communication and Media Studies serves as one of the university's largest programs with 177 graduates and ranks #78 nationally.
The institution demonstrates particular strength in social services, education, and health-related fields, with several programs achieving top-three state rankings while maintaining substantial enrollment numbers.
Salisbury University maintains open access admission, accepting 88.6% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive offers of admission. This acceptance rate places the institution in the Open Access category, making it significantly more accessible than highly selective universities.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates Salisbury University accepts slightly more applicants than typical regional public institutions, though the difference is modest at 4 percentage points. This level of accessibility means qualified students have strong chances of admission, though the institution maintains meaningful academic standards through its admitted student profile.
Students should view Salisbury University as an accessible option that does not require the extensive backup planning needed for highly selective institutions. The combination of open access admission with strong academic preparation among enrolled students suggests the university attracts students who could succeed at more competitive institutions but value the certainty and community of Salisbury University.
Prospective students should focus on demonstrating genuine interest and academic preparation rather than worrying about admission competition. For students building college lists, Salisbury University serves as a reliable option that combines accessibility with solid outcomes, making it suitable as either a target or safety school depending on individual academic profiles.
