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The Salem State Difference

What makes Salem State different from other colleges and universities?

What makes Salem State different? A student-first mindset, real support and a strong commitment to access, equity and outcomes. Here, your goals matter, your voice is heard and your future is met with purpose.

Students seated at desks in a classroom attentively listening during a lecture, with one female student in focus wearing glasses and a gray sweatshirt.

Strong 51勛圖, Real Support

Here, you're more than a number. Our 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know you by name, support you personally and help you grow.

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How You Learn Matters Here

Small Classes. Big Impact.

Choose from 33 majors, 100+ concentrations and 80+ minors, with interdisciplinary, civic and hands-on learning built into every path.

Explore with Confidence

Not sure what to major in? Our exploratory major offers real guidancenot guessworkto match your strengths and passions with a path that leads to real-world success.

BOLD Moves in Learning

SSU BOLD, our campus unification and modernization project, is shaping the next generation of health, science, and human service leaders through learning spaces built for todays workforce needs.

College within Reach

Nearly 50% of Vikings attend for free

Affordability

Salem State offers an affordable four-year public university experience in Massachusetts, and we back that with real support. Most students receive financial aid, and we help reduce debt through a combination of federal, state and institutional aid. We also provide financial guidance and resources for undocumented students, because access to college should be within reach for everyone.

Financial aid data presented is based on 2023-24 financial aid for degree-seeking undergraduate students.

Featured Financial Aid Facts and Figures

Support that Starts Day One

Student Services

From academic and career coaching to mental health and identity-based support, Salem State offers a strong network to help you manage classes, care and the business of being a student.

Featured Student Services

  • Smiling student shaking hands with another person across a desk, with bookshelves in the background, suggesting a job interview or advising meeting.
    Plan your path

    Career Services

    Get support finding your pathfrom your first year to your first job.
  • A Salem State student and student staff member sit together at a table, reviewing a booklet and laptop. The student staff member gestures to the screen, offering guidance.
    Start Strong, Firsts Matter

    First Year Experience

    Dedicated success coaches offer one-on-one support during your first year.
People dining outdoors and walking along a brick-lined sidewalk in downtown Salem, Massachusetts, surrounded by fall flowers and historic red-brick buildings.

College City, Coastal Vibes

Salem offers city access with small-town energyand its unlike anywhere else. From seaside views and historic streets to coffee shops, art galleries and Halloween festivities, its a place where the past meets the present. And its all just 30 minutes from Boston.

Rooted in Purpose. Focused on Equity.

The Commonwealth's Civic Engagement University

As the Commonwealths Civic Engagement University, Salem State empowers students to lead with purpose. Through advocacy, community partnerships and civic learning, students make real change on campus and beyond. Were proud to hold the prestigious Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, recognizing our deep, university-wide commitment to civic and community impact.

Center for Civic Engagement

A Proud Hispanic and Minority-Serving Institution

Salem State is proudly recognized by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities as a Hispanic and minority-serving institution, based on the diversity of our student body. This classification reflects our student-centered missionexpanding culturally responsive support, inclusive programs and access to opportunity for all.

Hispanic Serving Institution Status
Life at Salem State, Told by Students
  • Annely Grullon Rojas

    Encouragement for Future Students

    Salem State is a supportive place where you can grow in your studies, career and personal life.

    Annely Grullon Rojas 26
    Biology major, Biomedical Science concentration
    Chemistry minor
    Lawrence, MA

    Annely's story
  • Myles DeBarros

    Mentorship that Makes a Difference

    Professors have helped me succeed in class, offered mentorship, sent internship opportunities and written reference letters.

    Myles DeBarros 25
    Sport and Movement Science major, Exercise Science concentration
    Dartmouth, MA

    Myles' story
  • Zayden Jansen

    Inclusive Identity and Community

    Prospective students should know this campus is full of community and care. Youll be welcomed with open arms, no matter who you are or your identity.

    Zayden Jansen 25
    Biology major, Marine Biology concentration
    Chemistry, Oceanography minors
    Eagle Bridge, NY

    Zayden's story
  • Liv Duarte

    Civic-Minded Education

    Being the Commonwealths Civic Engagement University tells students and families that were committed to creating positive social change.

    Liv Duarte 25
    Psychology major
    Sociology, Social Work, Womens Studies minors
    Harwich, MA

    Liv's story
  • William Regan

    Career-Ready Foundation

    Salem State gave me the foundation to understand core concepts, and the network to intern at two different companies.

    William Reagan 24
    Business Administration major, Finance concentration
    Rockland, MA

    William's story
  • Morelia Morel Diaz

    Cultural Pride and Representation

    Being part of a Hispanic and minority-serving community means creating a place where we all feel like we belong, regardless of where we come from, the language we speak, who we love, or the color of our skin.

    Morelia Morel Diaz 25
    Biology major
    Chemistry, Philosophy minors
    Ban穩, Dominican Republic

    Morelia's story

Recognition that Reflects Our Values

  • Advancing Access

    Nationally ranked for helping students rise economically
  • A Campus Where You Belong

    Recognized for creating a safe and inclusive LGBTQ+ campus

Ready When You Are

Apply Now

Start your application and take the next step toward becoming a Viking.

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