Salem State University
Salem, Massachusetts · Public
Salem State University admitted 96% of 7,953 applicants (Common Data Set 2024-2025). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1000–1170 in the middle half. Test scores aren’t considered (test blind). 55% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Salem State University
Enter a score to see whether Salem State University is a reach, target or likely school for you.
It doesn’t look at test scores, so this uses the admit rate (96%) alone.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Salem State University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early action
- November 15, 2026
- Regular decision
- June 1, 2027
The application fee is $50, and Salem State University accepts the Common App fee waiver.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Salem State University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Salem State University offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
What admissions weighs
How Salem State University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
Important
- –
Considered
- Test scores
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Talent or ability
- Volunteering
- Work experience
Not considered
- Class rank
- Interview
- Activities
- Character
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- State residency
- Religion
- Showing interest
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.17 GPA.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $31,340 in-state and $38,323 out-of-state a year. After grants, students paid $19,324 on average (in-state).
Average price after grants, by family income, for in-state students:
Quick answers
What is Salem State University’s acceptance rate?
Salem State University admitted 96% of applicants: 7,625 of 7,953 (Common Data Set 2024-2025).
When is Salem State University’s early action deadline?
For 2026–27, early action is due November 15, 2026 and regular decision is due June 1, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Salem State University?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1000 to 1170, with a median around 1130. A score at or above 1130 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Salem State University’s application fee?
The application fee is $50 for 2026–27, and Salem State University accepts the Common App fee waiver.
Does Salem State University have supplemental essays?
No. Salem State University doesn’t ask for a supplemental essay or the Common App personal essay for 2026–27.
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