Salem State University campus

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Salem State University Demographics & Diversity

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  • 4 Year
  • Salem, MA
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#11 Best Public Universities in Massachusetts
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Racial Demographics & Diversity

Racial Diversity

Racial Diversity

Medium

Racial Diversity Index: 49%

Racial diversity is the chance that two students chosen at random are from different racial or ethnic groups, using the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index. Students at Salem State University are primarily White with a smaller Hispanic population. The school has medium racial diversity. 32% percent of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown is detailed in the following table.

Racial demographics of Salem State University students
Race Percent of Students
White
68%
Black
9%
Hispanic
12%
Asian
3%
American Indian / Alaskan
0%
Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3%
International
3%
Race Unknown
2%

Gender Demographics & Diversity

Gender Diversity

Gender Diversity

Very High

Gender Diversity Index: 45%

There are 99% more female students than male students enrolled at Salem State University with a gender ratio of 67% women to 33% men. Compared to the US average of 56% female students, Salem State University has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is very inclusive of both genders.

Male to female gender ratio for Salem State University students
Gender Percent of Students
Men
33%
Women
67%
Enrollment by gender for Salem State University students
Gender Number of Students
Men
2,086
Women
4,144

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Extremely Low

Geographic Diversity Index: 14%

Salem State University draws 86 percent of students from Massachusetts, 11 percent from other states, and 3 percent from other countries. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside Massachusetts, including other U.S. states and other countries.

Enrollment by geographic location for Salem State University students
Origin Percent of Students
In State
86%
Out of State
11%
Foreign
3%
Unknown Location
0%

Economic Diversity

Median Household Income

Median Household Income

$71,187 per year

48% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

Total Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment

6,230
Share of undergraduates by age and part-time status
Segment Percent of Students
Students Over 25 Years Old 22.8%
Part-time undergraduates 17.4%

Other Colleges to Consider

Students applying to Salem State University often consider these colleges

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

Racial and gender diversity ratings use the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index (Gini-Simpson): the probability that two students chosen at random belong to different groups. See the Census method note, Measuring Racial and Ethnic Diversity for the 2020 Census. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside the college's home state (other U.S. states plus international). IPEDS does not publish enrollment by individual state of residence.

Last updated: August 2026