Your chances of getting into Salem State University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Salem State University is 95.6%. Its admission rate is the 66th 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, 4,637 out of the 4,852 who applied were admitted.
Salem State University typically accepts and attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.17. 17% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into Salem State University?
96% 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.
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 1080 on the SAT
Salem State University GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
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 96% 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 2024
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 Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 510 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 480 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 990 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 590 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 570 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1160 |
| Average SAT Score | 1080
|
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 1080 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 990-1160. Students who get into Salem State University score in the top 62 percent of all SAT test takers.. Salem State University ranks #45 in the state of Massachusetts for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1080 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Salem State University regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 990 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 990, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 900, 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 1080 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2023 starting classChance 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 1075, you have around a 96% chance of being admitted. A 1160 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 98% chance of getting in.
Salem State University ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 25th Percentile | N/A |
| 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 |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 3,322 | 1,530 | 4,852 |
| Accepted | 3,187 | 1,450 | 4,637 |
| Acceptance Rate | 96% | 95% | 96% |
| Enrolled | 497 | 313 | 810 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 16% | 22% | 17% |
Fall 2025 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 38 days left until the Fall 2025 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?
| 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
| 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, 2025