- Acceptance rate: 96% for fall 2024
- Average high school GPA: 3.17, as reported by the college for 2024–25
- Average net price: $19,324 a year (2022–23)
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How does your GPA compare?
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Where you standEnter your GPA
Type your GPA to compare it with what Salem State University reported: an average GPA of 3.17 (2024–25) and an acceptance rate of 96% for fall 2024.
Weighted GPAs above 4.0 can't be compared directly. Many colleges recalculate on their own scale, so use your unweighted GPA here.
A guide based on reported data, not a prediction. Salem State University reviews each application.
Salem State University average GPA
Salem State University reported an average high school GPA of 3.17 for its first-year students who submitted one (99% did), in its 2024–25 Common Data Set. The college doesn't say whether it's weighted or unweighted.
An average, not a cutoffColleges calculate GPA in different ways, so this figure can't be compared directly with your own GPA.
Salem State University acceptance rate
Salem State University admitted 7,625 of 7,953 first-year applicants for fall 2024, an acceptance rate of 96%, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Salem State University is a public 4-year university in Salem, Massachusetts, with 4,867 undergraduates.
Admission requirements
What Salem State University looks at when it decides on first-year applicants, as it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024:
| Admission factor | Status |
|---|---|
| High School GPAYour cumulative high school grade point average. | Required |
| High School RecordYour transcript: the courses you took and the grades you earned. | Required |
| College Preparatory ProgramCompletion of a college preparatory curriculum in high school. | Required |
| Demonstration of CompetenciesEvidence of specific skills through portfolios, auditions, or other demonstrations. | Considered if submitted |
| Work ExperiencePaid or volunteer work. | Considered if submitted |
| High School Class RankYour ranking relative to other students in your graduating class. | Not considered |
| RecommendationsLetters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other mentors. | Not considered |
| Essay or Personal StatementA personal statement or essay written for your application. | Not considered |
| Test ScoresSAT or ACT scores. | Not considered |
| Other TestsOther admission tests, such as the Wonderlic or WISC-III. | Not considered |
| Legacy StatusWhether a parent or other relative attended the college. | Not considered |
Salem State University didn't report SAT or ACT scores for its fall 2024 first-year students.
AP credit
Salem State University awards college credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for 2024–25. The college decides which exams and scores earn credit.
It also awards credit for life experience, such as work or military service.
Average net price
First-time, full-time undergraduates paying in-state tuition who received grant or scholarship aid paid an average net price of $19,324 a year at Salem State University in 2022–23, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
Net price is the full cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get into Salem State University with a 3.0 GPA?
GPA alone can't tell you here. Salem State University admitted 96% of first-year applicants for fall 2024. It requires a high school GPA but hasn't published an average we could verify, so there's no admitted-student GPA to compare a 3.0 against. Your transcript and test scores are the clearer guide.
Is there a minimum GPA for Salem State University?
Salem State University doesn't set a minimum GPA we could verify. Its first-year students averaged 3.17, as reported by the college in its 2024–25 Common Data Set. The college doesn't say whether that average is weighted or unweighted.
How important is GPA for getting into Salem State University?
A lot: Salem State University requires high school GPA, high school record and college preparatory program. It considers demonstration of competencies and work experience if you send them. It doesn't consider high school class rank, recommendations, essay or personal statement, test scores, other tests and legacy status. That's what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024.
How selective is Salem State University?
Not very selective: at least 3 in 4 applicants got in. Salem State University admitted 96% of first-year applicants for fall 2024.
What is Salem State University's acceptance rate?
Salem State University's acceptance rate was 96% for fall 2024: it admitted 7,625 of 7,953 first-year applicants, as it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Do you need SAT or ACT scores to apply to Salem State University?
No. Salem State University doesn't consider SAT or ACT scores, even if you send them (test blind), it said in its report to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024.
Do you need to write an essay to apply to Salem State University?
No. Salem State University doesn't consider a personal statement or essay, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024.
Does Salem State University give credit for AP exams?
Yes. Salem State University awards college credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams, as it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for 2024–25. The college decides which exams and scores earn credit.
How much does Salem State University cost after financial aid?
First-time, full-time undergraduates paying in-state tuition who received grant or scholarship aid paid an average of $19,324 a year at Salem State University in 2022–23, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Net price is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships.
Does Salem State University consider legacy status?
No. Salem State University doesn't consider whether a parent or other relative attended, according to its filing with the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024.
Before you apply, check Salem State University's official admissions site: requirements can differ by program and change from year to year.
Sources
- College Navigator: Salem State UniversityU.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS (2024–25 provisional data): admissions, test scores and admission factors for fall 2024, undergraduate enrollment for fall 2024, net price for 2022–23 and credit policies for 2024–25.
- Salem State University Common Data Set 2024–25Salem State University: average high school GPA of first-year students.
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