History at Work in Coastal Salem
Established in 1854, Salem State is one of the largest state universities in MA, located about 15 miles north of Boston and one mile from downtown.
Academics
Find your academic path at Salem State.
We offer 33 undergraduate majors with over 100 concentrations to tailor your academic experience to your individual interests. The School of Graduate Studies offers more than 50 graduate programs to support advancing your existing career or transitioning to something new.
Most Popular Academic Programs
- Business Administration
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Biology
Salem State Faculty
As of fall 2020, 89 percent of Salem State’s 302 full-time faculty members held terminal degrees:
- 245 (81%) held doctorates and 23 (8 percent) held MFAs, or a similar terminal degree.
- Thirty faculty (10%) held master's degrees.
Among full-time faculty in 2019, 73 percent identified as white, non-Hispanic and 54 percent were female.
Salem State is a top producer of Fulbright Scholars in the country. Since 2005, Salem State has had 20 Fulbright Scholars and eight Fulbright Specialists; two of our students have also received this distinction.
Viking Stats
Our 6,000+ Salem State Vikings represent 40+ states and 47 countries:
A Solid Investment
Financial Aid Awarded
99.5% of students with financial need received aid in 2024-25, with an average package for full-time undergraduates of $16,567.* Salem State's average award for first-time, full-time students increased by 92% from 2021-2024.
*includes all types of aid.
Debt at Graduation
Salem State graduates averaged $20,587 in debt at graduation, a 17% decrease in graduating student debt compared to 2020.
25% of the class of 2026 reported graduating with no student loan debt.
Earnings Potential
Five years after graduation, Salem State alumni report average salaries $3,000 higher than the MA state university average.
Our Campus
Set just a mile from downtown Salem, you'll find everything you need to study, relax and explore right here on campus.
Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons
A hub for Salem State's academic life, the library hosts study spaces, computer labs, lockers and more for student use.
Gassett Fitness Center
Gassett Fitness Center is a state-of-the-art fitness center, providing top-tier cardio, strength, and functional training equipment, an indoor turf and rig, locker rooms, recreational courts, and a group exercise studio.
Sophia Gordon Center for the Performing Arts
A centerpiece of the theater program, the Sophia Gordon Center provides a contemporary theater for faculty and student performances and for the use of the larger community.
Charlotte Forten Hall
Named for Salem State's first African-American graduate, Charlotte Forten Hall is the newest of the residence halls, housing 350 residents in suite-style rooms. Forten is also home to the on-campus Starbucks.
Student Navigation Center
Your one-stop shop for the business of being a student, the Nav Center hosts the offices of financial aid, student accounts, registrar and the Clipper Card.
Ellison Campus Center
A hub for student organizations on campus, the Ellison Campus Center is home to the commuter lounge E-Sports Lounge, student involvement offices, meeting spaces and event spaces.