Salem, MA · Private University
Is Salem State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$56,662
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$11,978
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,961
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$75,844
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.99x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
55.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$25,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$18,441
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Salem State University graduates earn $11,662 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Salem State University ranked by graduate earnings
36 graduates
266 graduates
143 graduates
450 graduates
124 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Salem State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Salem State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $88,627) and the lowest (Visual and Performing Arts, General: $29,478) is $59,149/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $88,627 | 4.7x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $79,660 | 4.2x |
| Biology, General | $59,961 | 3.2x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $55,904 | 3.0x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $51,926 | 2.7x |
| Chemistry(1yr data) | $49,439 | 2.6x |
| History | $46,900 | 2.5x |
| Geography and Cartography | $45,988 | 2.4x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $45,305 | 2.4x |
| Sociology | $45,212 | 2.4x |
| Psychology, General | $45,094 | 2.4x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $43,852 | 2.3x |
| Social Work | $41,045 | 2.2x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services(1yr data) | $40,506 | 2.1x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $40,383 | 2.1x |
| Education, General | $38,488 | 2.0x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $36,151 | 1.9x |
| Visual and Performing Arts, GeneralLowest | $29,478 | 1.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Salem State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $56,662 10 years after starting, $11,662 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.5 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.