Salem State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Salem State’s high acceptance rate means your main decision is how to use test optional wisely, not whether one score will make or break you. If your SAT is near the top of the 1000 to 1170 range, submitting it can show clear academic strength; if not, lean on your GPA, courses, and fit.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Salem State University facts and stats
Salem State University enrolls about 4,867 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Salem State has a 75% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 50%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.
Salem, MA
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Key Salem State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
November 15
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
February 15
Financial Aid Priority
February 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Salem State, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and keep the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes. For the November 15 Early Action deadline, October is the last fall retake whose scores you should count on arriving in time, with retakes also giving you a superscoring opportunity where allowed.
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What you'll actually pay
Salem State lists in-state tuition at $910 and out-of-state tuition at $7,050. About 77% of students receive financial aid, with an average merit award of $2,211. Submit the FAFSA by the February 15 priority deadline to be considered for aid.
For students paying the out-of-state rate, Salem State tuition is $7,050, with room and board adding $15,646. Aid is common, with 77% of students receiving financial aid and an average aid package of $11,032. Merit awards average $2,211, and graduates leave with an average debt of $26,204.
Student life at Salem State University
35% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Priority
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Cambridge College Global
Boston, MAAmerican International College
Springfield, MAAcceptance rate: 99.6%
Amherst College
Amherst, MAAcceptance rate: 9%
SAT: 1500–1560
ACT: 33–35
Anna Maria College
Paxton, MAAcceptance rate: 50.1%
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