About Salem State University
Salem State University is a four-year, public institution located in Salem, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1854 as Salem Normal School, and, because of the high demand for teachers, the school thrived and expanded to include liberal arts and professional programs. Salem State began enrolling men in 1898, and after many name changes over the years became Salem State University in 2010. Today this comprehensive university is diverse and welcomes students of all types. Salem State offers a student-focused curriculum that allows students to explore their “passions” while gaining real-world experience.
SSU awards bachelor’s and master’s degrees along with undergraduate and graduate certificates and licensure programs. Salem State also offers fully online degree programs and non-credit programs, as well as a variety of certificate programs and online courses. Salem State University online degrees are offered in a flexible format. These degrees allow students to study where it is convenient. A number of hybrid degrees are also offered, providing students with more degree options.
Accreditation & Licensing
Salem State University is accredited by:
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Post-master's certificateReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 5,679 ; Graduate: 1,749Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 10% ; Graduate: 36%Graduation Rate:
50%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$56,662Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$25,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
72%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$10,493Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Salem State University
Salem State offers a clear, step-by-step path to finish your program. One graduate track starts in mid-May with two six-week summer terms. It then moves into a 15-month accelerated phase before clinical training later on.
The plan is organized, but it is not a fast or easy route. The pace is demanding and works best with steady weekly study time. Students who protect study hours and hit each milestone are more likely to stay on track.
The value here is a strong path to completion and career-focused training. It is built for progress, not a light workload.
At Salem State, support feels personal and practical. Professors are known for being helpful and focused on student success. Advisors are easy to reach and ready to help with plans, classes, and next steps. Small class sizes make it easier to get quick answers when coursework gets busy.
Communication is steady during key steps like admissions and program entry. In nursing admissions, the portal may update slowly after the first acknowledgment. Decisions often arrive around February, so the timeline follows a clear cycle even when updates are not instant.
Overall, students can expect visible support in both academics and planning.
Online classes at Salem State follow a clear pace. Programs use milestone-based structure. The schedule is organized and sequential. That helps students map their term early.
Support is a key online fit point. Instructors are approachable and easy to reach. Advisors give clear guidance on planning and workload. The pace is demanding but manageable with steady weekly effort.
Classes at Salem State feel active and personal. Smaller class sizes make it easier to speak up and ask questions. Lessons are interactive and engaging, not just long lectures. Professors are approachable and get to know students as people.
Coursework is challenging and takes real effort. Students need strong time management and steady study habits. The workload stays manageable with good planning and early support from faculty. Across programs, students can expect clear guidance, high standards, and professors who are easy to reach.
Salem State’s strongest point is the classroom experience. Professors are approachable and ready to help. Smaller classes make it easier to ask questions and join discussion. Students are less likely to feel lost in a large crowd.
Classes are challenging, but manageable with good time management. Advising helps students plan courses and balance their workload. Support is especially strong in nursing, social work, and education.
Some buildings are older, and commuting can disrupt daily routines. Even so, Salem State offers a positive college experience. Students can expect real academic challenge and faculty support they can reach.
Salem State’s strongest point is the classroom experience. Professors are approachable and ready to help. Smaller classes make it easier to ask questions and join discussion. Students are less likely to feel lost in a large crowd.
Classes are challenging, but manageable with good time management. Advising helps students plan courses and balance their workload. Support is especially strong in nursing, social work, and education.
Some buildings are older, and commuting can disrupt daily routines. Even so, Salem State offers a positive college experience. Students can expect real academic challenge and faculty support they can reach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salem State University
Is Salem State University accredited?
Yes. Salem State University is institutionally accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.
How many online programs does Salem State University offer?
Salem State University offers 3 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Salem State University offer?
Salem State University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Salem State University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Salem State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Salem State University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Salem State University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Salem State University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Salem State University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 2.7, and 2.7 appears most often.
Is Salem State University military friendly?
Salem State University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Salem State University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Salem State University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Salem State University accept life experience credit?
Salem State University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Salem State University programs fully online or mixed?
Salem State University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Salem State University?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Salem State University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Salem State University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Salem State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Salem State University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Salem State University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Salem State University is featured in 2 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Salem State University is located in Massachusetts
Massachusetts at a Glance:
Top Majors in Massachusetts:
Top Incentives in Massachusetts:
- MASSGrant: Up to $3,100 annually
- John and Abigail Adams Scholarship: Full tuition at state institutions
- Gilbert Matching Student Grant: Up to $2,500 annually
Top Career Pathways in Massachusetts:
- Entry Level: Research Associate ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Project Manager ($110,000)
- Senior Level: Research Director ($180,000+)
- Required Education: BS Biotechnology
- Certifications: PMP, Six Sigma, Quality Systems
- Entry Level: Software Engineer ($85,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Developer ($135,000)
- Senior Level: Technical Director ($190,000+)
- Required Education: BS Computer Science
- Certifications: AWS, Azure, Security+
- Entry Level: Clinical Innovation Specialist ($70,000)
- Mid Level: Innovation Manager ($120,000)
- Senior Level: Innovation Director ($175,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, PMP, CPHIMS