Two ratings: the overall grade compares colleges the conventional way (outcomes, cost, resources, experience, reputation). The Outcome Rating asks what students earn: 60% wage-adjusted earnings 10 years after enrolling, 25% graduation, 15% retention. Methodology
Quick Stats
Earnings, Debt & Completion
What happens to students who enroll at Salem State University, from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Typical debt at graduation equals about 44% of one year’s median earnings ten years after entry.
Earnings rank: 28th percentile among bachelor’s-degree-focused colleges after a partial adjustment for local wage levels (MA wage index 1.29). This drives the Outcome Rating.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved Oct 2026. Earnings are for federally aided students who enrolled, whether or not they graduated.
Earnings by Major at Salem State University
Median pay of bachelor's degree graduates by field of study, and how each program ranks against every college reporting that major — by raw pay and adjusted for state wage levels. Same school, very different paychecks.
| Major | 1 yr after | 4 yrs after | vs. national | Rank (pay) | Rank (wage-adj.) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $80,641 | $95,550 | +7% | #205 of 966 | #659 | $27,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $57,706 | $92,380 | +0% | #171 of 459 | #296 | $26,250 |
| Chemistry | $49,439 | $81,266 | +25% | #15 of 209 | #46 | $25,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $46,897 | $67,789 | -1% | #455 of 1176 | #857 | $24,250 |
| Biology | $45,670 | $67,551 | +18% | #132 of 841 | #367 | $26,500 |
| Mathematics | — | $61,259 | -12% | #245 of 309 | #288 | — |
| Social Work | $45,450 | $60,026 | +16% | #44 of 420 | #236 | $24,991 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $44,812 | $59,774 | +8% | #156 of 660 | #442 | $21,750 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | — | $59,424 | -1% | #80 of 138 | #121 | — |
| Geography and Cartography | $32,504 | $58,593 | +1% | #52 of 117 | #96 | $21,500 |
| Political Science and Government | — | $58,499 | -8% | #362 of 565 | #501 | — |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | — | $56,509 | +19% | #64 of 680 | #341 | — |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | — | $55,808 | +9% | #77 of 345 | #269 | $26,496 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $40,506 | $55,323 | -6% | #176 of 275 | #241 | $25,000 |
| Psychology | $36,492 | $54,717 | +8% | #263 of 1027 | #657 | $22,749 |
| Sociology | $39,822 | $51,573 | -2% | #248 of 462 | #394 | $25,250 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | $31,755 | $51,362 | -6% | #364 of 610 | #558 | $25,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $26,180 | $50,397 | +22% | #53 of 423 | #143 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $34,302 | $50,260 | -11% | #442 of 660 | #597 | $24,847 |
| History | $29,307 | $49,572 | -2% | #260 of 459 | #406 | $25,450 |
| Education | $33,065 | $45,568 | -9% | #54 of 71 | #67 | $25,500 |
| English Language and Literature | $32,844 | $43,621 | -10% | #436 of 576 | #545 | $26,250 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | $24,699 | $32,484 | -22% | #66 of 68 | #68 | $25,874 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study data. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working; small programs are not reported.
The Salem State University Town Property Report
- Avg home value near campus: $612,213
- Avg rent near campus: $2,730/mo
- Top nearby ZIP by cap rate: 01901 (3.6% cap, Lynn)
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Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $910 | $7,050 |
| Total Cost (On-Campus) | $31,340 | $38,323 |
Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
| Family Income | Average Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,384 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,747 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,712 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,398 |
| $110,001+ | $24,642 |
Programs & Career Paths
Top Degree Programs
Programs ranked by number of degrees awarded annually.
Related Career Paths
Careers that graduates from Salem State University's top programs commonly pursue.
Student Demographics
👥 Race & Ethnicity
🏠 Living Arrangements
💻 Learning Mode
📊 Age Distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Salem State University?
How much does it cost to attend Salem State University?
What is the graduation rate at Salem State University?
Is Salem State University a good school?
- Outcomes (B): Graduation and retention rates
- Affordability (C): Net cost and financial aid access
- Resources (C+): Class sizes and selectivity
- Experience (B+): Campus life and learning format
- Prestige (D): Reputation and recognition
How many students attend Salem State University?
Is there rental demand near Salem State University?
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🎓 Similar Colleges to Salem State University
Compare with other 4-Year public institutions of similar size.
Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: October 2026 | Methodology