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#11 Best Public Universities in Massachusetts

Salem State University Admission Requirements

Salem, Massachusetts

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Your chances of getting into Salem State University

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

92.7%
Admission Difficulty for Salem State University
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Moderate 
Applicant Competition Very Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Salem State University is 92.7%.  Its admission rate is the 67th lowest in Massachusetts.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Salem State University and can you get accepted?

Salem State University is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 4,719 out of the 5,093 who applied were admitted.

Salem State University typically accepts and attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.17. 18% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into Salem State University?

93% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Salem State University you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.17 or better
  • Earn B grades in high school
  • Score 1100 on the SAT

Salem State University GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.17

Typical High School Grades 

B

What GPA do you need to get into Salem State University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Salem State University are to have around a 3.17 high school GPA. You need about average high school grades.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.17 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as Salem State University accepts 93% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Salem State University is 3.17 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B letter grades and regularly score around 83-86 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #51 in Massachusetts for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Salem State University is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.2 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

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Salem State University SAT Scores

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Salem State University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 2% of students submitted SAT scores.

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

986-1210

Applicants Submitting SAT 

2%
SAT Scores for Salem State University
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 508
Math 25th Percentile 478
Composite 25th Percentile 986
SAT Scores for Salem State University
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 630
Math 75th Percentile 580
Composite 75th Percentile 1210
Average SAT Score 1100

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Salem State University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Salem State University is 1100 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 986-1210. Students who get into Salem State University score in the top 100 percent of all SAT test takers..  Salem State University ranks #41 in the state of Massachusetts for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1100 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Salem State University regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 986 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 986, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 870, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Salem State University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1100 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1098, you have around a 93% chance of being admitted. A 1210 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 96% chance of getting in.

Salem State University admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1210 and Above Good >96%
1098 to 1210 Avg + 93%-96%
986 to 1098 Avg - 87%-93%
874 to 986 Reach 79%-87%
Less than 874 Low <79%
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Salem State University ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

Not Reported

Applicants Submitting ACT 

-
ACT Scores for Salem State University
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile N/A
Math 25th Percentile N/A
Composite 25th Percentile N/A
ACT Scores for Salem State University
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile N/A
Math 75th Percentile N/A
Composite 75th Percentile N/A
Average ACT Score N/A
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Salem State University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 3,556 1,537 5,093
Accepted 3,349 1,370 4,719
Acceptance Rate 94% 89% 93%
Enrolled 554 309 863
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 17% 23% 18%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Fall 2024 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Jun 1, 2025

Days left to Apply

206

Applicants have 206 days left until the Fall 2024 term applications are due on Jun 1, 2025.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Salem State University is $50.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Salem State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Salem State University Application Requirements
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Required to be considered for admission
Recommendations Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not required for admission, but considered if submitted

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Salem State University
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to Salem State University often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=167729 IPEDS survey data for Salem State University.

Last updated February 24, 2024