About Salem State University
Source: https://www.salemstate.edu/salem-state-difference
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
About Salem State University
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The Salem State Difference
Title
What makes Salem State different from other colleges and universities?
What makes Salem State different? A student-first mindset, real support and a strong commitment to access, equity and outcomes. Here, your goals matter, your voice is heard and your future is met with purpose.
Strong Academics, Real Support
Here, you're more than a number. Our 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know you by name, support you personally and help you grow.
Academics
How You Learn Matters Here
Small Classes. Big Impact.
Choose from 33 majors, 100+ concentrations and 80+ minors, with interdisciplinary, civic and hands-on learning built into every path.
Explore with Confidence
Not sure what to major in? Our exploratory major offers real guidance—not guesswork—to match your strengths and passions with a path that leads to real-world success.
BOLD Moves in Learning
SSU BOLD, our campus unification and modernization project, is shaping the next generation of health, science, and human service leaders through learning spaces built for today’s workforce needs.
Title
College within Reach
Nearly 50% of Vikings attend for free
Affordability
Salem State offers an affordable four-year public university experience in Massachusetts, and we back that with real support. Most students receive financial aid, and we help reduce debt through a combination of federal, state and institutional aid. We also provide financial guidance and resources for undocumented students, because access to college should be within reach for everyone.
Financial aid data presented is based on 2023-24 financial aid for degree-seeking undergraduate students.
Featured Financial Aid Facts and Figures
98
%
of students receive financial aid
Financial Aid
$15,547
Average financial aid package
Tuition and Fees
$10,502
Average grants and scholarships awarded
Types of Financial Aid
Title
Support that Starts Day One
Student Services
From academic and career coaching to mental health and identity-based support, Salem State offers a strong network to help you manage classes, care and the business of being a student.
Featured Student Services
Plan your path
Career Services
Get support finding your path—from your first year to your first job.
Mind and Body, We’ve Got You
Counseling and Health Services
Your well-being matters—get access to caring, confidential support.
Start Strong, Firsts Matter
First Year Experience
Dedicated success coaches offer one-on-one support during your first year.
College City, Coastal Vibes
Salem offers city access with small-town energy—and it’s unlike anywhere else. From seaside views and historic streets to coffee shops, art galleries and Halloween festivities, it’s a place where the past meets the present. And it’s all just 30 minutes from Boston.
Discover Salem
Rooted in Purpose. Focused on Equity.
The Commonwealth's Civic Engagement University
As the Commonwealth’s Civic Engagement University, Salem State empowers students to lead with purpose. Through advocacy, community partnerships and civic learning, students make real change on campus and beyond. We’re proud to hold the prestigious Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, recognizing our deep, university-wide commitment to civic and community impact.
Center for Civic Engagement
A Proud Hispanic and Minority-Serving Institution
Salem State is proudly recognized by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities as a Hispanic and minority-serving institution, based on the diversity of our student body. This classification reflects our student-centered mission—expanding culturally responsive support, inclusive programs and access to opportunity for all.
Hispanic Serving Institution Status
Life at Salem State, Told by Students
Encouragement for Future Students
“Salem State is a supportive place where you can grow in your studies, career and personal life.”
–Annely Grullon Rojas ‘26
Biology major, Biomedical Science concentration
Chemistry minor
Lawrence, MA
Annely's story
Mentorship that Makes a Difference
“Professors have helped me succeed in class, offered mentorship, sent internship opportunities and written reference letters.”
–Myles DeBarros ‘25
Sport and Movement Science major, Exercise Science concentration
Dartmouth, MA
Myles' story
Inclusive Identity and Community
“Prospective students should know this campus is full of community and care. You’ll be welcomed with open arms, no matter who you are or your identity.”
–Zayden Jansen ‘25
Biology major, Marine Biology concentration
Chemistry, Oceanography minors
Eagle Bridge, NY
Zayden's story
Civic-Minded Education
“Being the Commonwealth’s Civic Engagement University tells students and families that we’re committed to creating positive social change.”
–Liv Duarte ‘25
Psychology major
Sociology, Social Work, Women’s Studies minors
Harwich, MA
Liv's story
Career-Ready Foundation
“Salem State gave me the foundation to understand core concepts, and the network to intern at two different companies.”
–William Reagan ‘24
Business Administration major, Finance concentration
Rockland, MA
William's story
Cultural Pride and Representation
“Being part of a Hispanic and minority-serving community means creating a place where we all feel like we belong, regardless of where we come from, the language we speak, who we love, or the color of our skin.”
–Morelia Morel Diaz ‘25
Biology major
Chemistry, Philosophy minors
Baní, Dominican Republic
Morelia's story
Recognition that Reflects Our Values
Advancing Access
#23 for Top Performers in Social Mobility by U.S. News
Nationally ranked for helping students rise economically
Purpose in Action
Named a Most Engaged Campus by ALL IN
Honored for student leadership in civic and voter participation
A Campus Where You Belong
4.5 Stars for LGBTQ+ Inclusion from Campus Pride Index
Recognized for creating a safe and inclusive LGBTQ+ campus
Ready When You Are
Apply Now
Start your application and take the next step toward becoming a Viking.
Visit Us
See campus for yourself and experience what it’s like to be part of our community.
Request Information
Get the updates that matter, from deadlines to campus events and next steps.
Back to top
Skip to main content
The Salem State Difference
Title
What makes Salem State different from other colleges and universities?
What makes Salem State different? A student-first mindset, real support and a strong commitment to access, equity and outcomes. Here, your goals matter, your voice is heard and your future is met with purpose.
Strong Academics, Real Support
Here, you're more than a number. Our 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know you by name, support you personally and help you grow.
Academics
How You Learn Matters Here
Small Classes. Big Impact.
Choose from 33 majors, 100+ concentrations and 80+ minors, with interdisciplinary, civic and hands-on learning built into every path.
Explore with Confidence
Not sure what to major in? Our exploratory major offers real guidance—not guesswork—to match your strengths and passions with a path that leads to real-world success.
BOLD Moves in Learning
SSU BOLD, our campus unification and modernization project, is shaping the next generation of health, science, and human service leaders through learning spaces built for today’s workforce needs.
Title
College within Reach
Nearly 50% of Vikings attend for free
Affordability
Salem State offers an affordable four-year public university experience in Massachusetts, and we back that with real support. Most students receive financial aid, and we help reduce debt through a combination of federal, state and institutional aid. We also provide financial guidance and resources for undocumented students, because access to college should be within reach for everyone.
Financial aid data presented is based on 2023-24 financial aid for degree-seeking undergraduate students.
Featured Financial Aid Facts and Figures
98
%
of students receive financial aid
Financial Aid
$15,547
Average financial aid package
Tuition and Fees
$10,502
Average grants and scholarships awarded
Types of Financial Aid
Title
Support that Starts Day One
Student Services
From academic and career coaching to mental health and identity-based support, Salem State offers a strong network to help you manage classes, care and the business of being a student.
Featured Student Services
Plan your path
Career Services
Get support finding your path—from your first year to your first job.
Mind and Body, We’ve Got You
Counseling and Health Services
Your well-being matters—get access to caring, confidential support.
Start Strong, Firsts Matter
First Year Experience
Dedicated success coaches offer one-on-one support during your first year.
College City, Coastal Vibes
Salem offers city access with small-town energy—and it’s unlike anywhere else. From seaside views and historic streets to coffee shops, art galleries and Halloween festivities, it’s a place where the past meets the present. And it’s all just 30 minutes from Boston.
Discover Salem
Rooted in Purpose. Focused on Equity.
The Commonwealth's Civic Engagement University
As the Commonwealth’s Civic Engagement University, Salem State empowers students to lead with purpose. Through advocacy, community partnerships and civic learning, students make real change on campus and beyond. We’re proud to hold the prestigious Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, recognizing our deep, university-wide commitment to civic and community impact.
Center for Civic Engagement
A Proud Hispanic and Minority-Serving Institution
Salem State is proudly recognized by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities as a Hispanic and minority-serving institution, based on the diversity of our student body. This classification reflects our student-centered mission—expanding culturally responsive support, inclusive programs and access to opportunity for all.
Hispanic Serving Institution Status
Life at Salem State, Told by Students
Encouragement for Future Students
“Salem State is a supportive place where you can grow in your studies, career and personal life.”
–Annely Grullon Rojas ‘26
Biology major, Biomedical Science concentration
Chemistry minor
Lawrence, MA
Annely's story
Mentorship that Makes a Difference
“Professors have helped me succeed in class, offered mentorship, sent internship opportunities and written reference letters.”
–Myles DeBarros ‘25
Sport and Movement Science major, Exercise Science concentration
Dartmouth, MA
Myles' story
Inclusive Identity and Community
“Prospective students should know this campus is full of community and care. You’ll be welcomed with open arms, no matter who you are or your identity.”
–Zayden Jansen ‘25
Biology major, Marine Biology concentration
Chemistry, Oceanography minors
Eagle Bridge, NY
Zayden's story
Civic-Minded Education
“Being the Commonwealth’s Civic Engagement University tells students and families that we’re committed to creating positive social change.”
–Liv Duarte ‘25
Psychology major
Sociology, Social Work, Women’s Studies minors
Harwich, MA
Liv's story
Career-Ready Foundation
“Salem State gave me the foundation to understand core concepts, and the network to intern at two different companies.”
–William Reagan ‘24
Business Administration major, Finance concentration
Rockland, MA
William's story
Cultural Pride and Representation
“Being part of a Hispanic and minority-serving community means creating a place where we all feel like we belong, regardless of where we come from, the language we speak, who we love, or the color of our skin.”
–Morelia Morel Diaz ‘25
Biology major
Chemistry, Philosophy minors
Baní, Dominican Republic
Morelia's story
Recognition that Reflects Our Values
Advancing Access
#23 for Top Performers in Social Mobility by U.S. News
Nationally ranked for helping students rise economically
Purpose in Action
Named a Most Engaged Campus by ALL IN
Honored for student leadership in civic and voter participation
A Campus Where You Belong
4.5 Stars for LGBTQ+ Inclusion from Campus Pride Index
Recognized for creating a safe and inclusive LGBTQ+ campus
Ready When You Are
Apply Now
Start your application and take the next step toward becoming a Viking.
Visit Us
See campus for yourself and experience what it’s like to be part of our community.
Request Information
Get the updates that matter, from deadlines to campus events and next steps.
Back to top