Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Salem State University

Salem, MA

Total Enrollment

6,239

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

171

171 programs

Full-Time Students

3,754

1,099 part-time

Total FTE

5,525

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

11:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

81
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
1782
Total Recent Graduates

With 6,239 students, Salem State University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 171 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 3,754 (77.4%)
77.4%
Part-Time Students 1,099 (22.6%)
22.6%
Total Students 4,853

Predominantly full-time students (77.4%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (60.2%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
66.9%
4,177 students
Men
33.1%
2,062 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
57.1%
3,564 students
White
57.1% (3,564)
Hispanic/Latino
21.8% (1,363)
Black/African American
7.8% (488)
Asian
3.4% (214)
Two or More Races
3.2% (200)
International Students
3.2% (199)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (12)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.0% (1)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (67%) across 6,239 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 57% of the student body (3,564 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 67% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

4,853 students

36% Men, 64% Women
3,754 Full-time 1,099 Part-time
Diversity Index: 64% • Minority Students: 37%

Graduate students

1,386 students

22% Men, 78% Women
507 Full-time 879 Part-time
Diversity Index: 48% • Minority Students: 20%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

4,261
All full-time students
1,444 men, 2,817 women
Diversity: 60%

FT Undergraduate

3,754
Full-time undergraduate
1,344 men, 2,410 women
Diversity: 62%

FT Degree-Seeking

3,719
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,327 men, 2,392 women
Diversity: 61%

FT First-Time

793
Full-time first-time students
305 men, 488 women
Diversity: 62%

FT Continuing

2,926
Full-time continuing students
1,022 men, 1,904 women
Diversity: 61%

FT Transfer

285
Full-time transfer students
122 men, 163 women
Diversity: 62%

FT Continuing

2,641
Full-time other continuing
900 men, 1,741 women
Diversity: 61%

FT Non-Degree

35
Full-time non-degree seeking
17 men, 18 women
Diversity: 78%

FT Graduate

507
Full-time graduate students
100 men, 407 women
Diversity: 47%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

1,978
All part-time students
618 men, 1,360 women
Diversity: 64%

PT Undergraduate

1,099
Part-time undergraduate
408 men, 691 women
Diversity: 72%

PT Degree-Seeking

567
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
206 men, 361 women
Diversity: 67%

PT First-Time

17
Part-time first-time students
8 men, 9 women
Diversity: 73%

PT Continuing

550
Part-time continuing students
198 men, 352 women
Diversity: 66%

PT Transfer

64
Part-time transfer students
21 men, 43 women
Diversity: 64%

PT Continuing

486
Part-time other continuing
177 men, 309 women
Diversity: 67%

PT Non-Degree

532
Part-time non-degree seeking
202 men, 330 women
Diversity: 75%

PT Graduate

879
Part-time graduate students
210 men, 669 women
Diversity: 48%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

2,582
White
428
Black/African American
1,186
Hispanic/Latino
179
Asian
151
International
Diversity Index: 64% Minority Students: 37%

Graduate students

982
White
60
Black/African American
177
Hispanic/Latino
35
Asian
48
International
Diversity Index: 48% Minority Students: 20%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Salem State University's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 6,239 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (60.2%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 5,525 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 57% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (11:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.
Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

352 Lafayette St

Salem, MA 01970

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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