Salem State University is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Salem State University is 100%. This means that all applicants are admitted.
How Competitive are Salem State University Admissions?
- Not Competitive: Applicants with satisfactory academics can easily secure admission.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
However, a 100% acceptance rate or open admission policy does not guarantee admission. Every institution has minimum eligibility criteria. If you meet these conditions, then you can be certain of admission. Additionally, to secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies.
Salem State University Admission Requirements
Salem State University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Salem State University is 3.17. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 2.87 and 3.17, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score. A minimum GPA of 2.77 is required.
Can I Get Into Salem State University Without SAT Or ACT?: Salem State University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Salem State University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Salem State University Average SAT Score: 1110
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Salem State University is 1110 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Salem State University SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1110 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1210 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Salem State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 986, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Salem State University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Salem State University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 529 | 478 | 580 |
| SAT Reading | 569 | 508 | 630 |
| SAT Composite | 1110 | 986 | 1210 |
It means that if you have scored less than 986 then you are below most of the admitted students at Salem State University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1210 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Salem State University with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Salem State University are good but the admission staff at Salem State University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Salem State University Profile
Name: Salem State University
Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
How much does a degree from Salem State University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Salem State University is USD: 27335. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Salem State University is USD: 18359
How can I get a scholarship?
35.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 57.17 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Salem State University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Salem State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Salem State University as your choice in the form.
How much a Salem State University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Salem State University graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 56662. An average Salem State University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Salem State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Salem State University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1086 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1094 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1091 | 21 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR | 1089 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Arkansas Tech University, AR | 1090 | 21 |
| University of the Ozarks | University of the Ozarks, AR | 1087 | 22 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1075 | 21 |
| Southern California Institute of Architecture | Southern California Institute of Architecture, CA | 1100 | NA |
| Adams State University | Adams State University, CO | 1066 | 21 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Salem State University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Salem State University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1118 | 23 |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1118 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| Southern California Institute of Architecture | Southern California Institute of Architecture, CA | 1100 | NA |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Salem State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1167 | 25 |
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1182 | 24 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1180 | 25 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1150 | 24 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1180 | 25 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions About Salem State University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $56662 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for Salem State University?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $27335 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Salem State University?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Salem State University?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Salem State University is 92.66 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Salem State University?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.17. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Salem State University?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 2.87, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at Salem State University with a 2.87 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.87 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to Salem State University if my GPA is below 2.77
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.17, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for Salem State University?
Answer: Admission to Salem State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1110 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 986-1210
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Salem State University from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Salem State University each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Salem State University?
Answer: The campus culture at Salem State University is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Salem State University?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Salem State University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.