Salem State University campus

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Salem State University Admission Requirements

  • 5/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Salem, MA
  • 0 reviews
#11 Best Public Universities in Massachusetts
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Salem State University Admission Overview

Salem State University admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year Salem State University admitted 95.9% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.17 GPA (B+). Salem State University is test-free. SAT and ACT are not used for admission. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Salem State University Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

95.9%

Admission Standards

Very Easy

Applicant Competition

Very Low

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Admission difficulty for Salem State University

Acceptance Rate

The Salem State University acceptance rate is 95.9%. Last year, 7,625 of 7,953 applicants were admitted. That is the 61st lowest acceptance rate 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, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

Salem State University typically attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.17. 11% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Salem State University GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.17

Typical High School Grades

B+

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.17

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at Salem State University typically have around a 3.17 GPA (B+) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have about average high school grades. Salem State University is test-free, so GPA is the main academic number in the file.

The school ranks #50 in Massachusetts for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.2 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Salem State University SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

990-1160

Freshmen who sent SAT

2%

25th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 510
  • Math 480
  • Composite 990
SAT 25th percentile scores for Salem State University

75th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 590
  • Math 570
  • Composite 1160
SAT 75th percentile scores for Salem State University

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at Salem State University typically score around a 1080 SAT (middle 50% 990–1160) out of 1600. These figures are from the last year SAT scores were reported, not a cutoff. SAT is not used for admission, even if you send it. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 55th percentile nationally. Salem State University ranks #45 in the state of Massachusetts for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 990 to 1160

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

View other colleges which accept students in the 1080 SAT score range.

SAT scores are from the last year they were reported to IPEDS. They are not used for admission.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Estimate How You Compare

Compare your GPA with last year's enrolled class and this school's acceptance rate. SAT and ACT are not used.

Open the Salem State University chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

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

Salem State University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 5,473 2,477 7,953
Accepted 5,280 2,342 7,625
Acceptance Rate 96% 95% 96%
Enrolled 540 317 858
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 10% 14% 11%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

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
Requirement Used for Admission
Test Scores Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind)
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

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Fall 2027 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Jun 1, 2027

Days left to Apply

274

Applicants have 274 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Jun 1, 2027.

Application Fee

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

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at Salem State University
Credit Type Accepted
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

Salem State University is test-free for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 95.9% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.17 GPA (about an B+ average). Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Other Colleges to Apply To

Students applying to Salem State University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=167729.

GPA calculator: Salem State University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026