College Costs in Salem, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Salem, Massachusetts. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$48,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,689
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Salem Overview
Population
44,480
Student Population
2,701 (6.1%)
Cost of Living Index
128.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Salem
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$129,220
Total After Financial Aid
$129,220
Annual Cost
$32,305
Annual After Aid
$32,305
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $129,220 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,467 |
| Total Interest | $46,852 |
| Total Loan Cost | $176,072 |
Universities in Salem
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Salem State University | Public | $16,989 |
| Salem Community College | Community | $6,420 |
Salem has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Salem vs. National Average
| Category | Salem | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,100 | $10,940 | +$5,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,689 | $1,050 | +$639 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128.9 | 100 | +28.900000000000006 |
Salem's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Salem
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,701 students
Salem has a total population of 44,480, with approximately 2,701 college students (6.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Salem offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Salem
$51,232
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Salem earn a median starting salary of $51,232, which is $16,232 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $129,220 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,382 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Massachusetts
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24 colleges · Avg tuition $14,167
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11 colleges · Avg tuition $16,670
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6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,943
Cambridge
6 colleges · Avg tuition $13,207
Amherst
3 colleges · Avg tuition $16,952
Northampton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,211
Williamstown
4 colleges · Avg tuition $17,065
Stockbridge
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,108
Lowell
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Brockton
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Quincy
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
New Bedford
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
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