Salem State University: Financially Affordable, But For How Much Longer?

The cost of a higher education degree is one of this country’s most discussed topics and biggest problems.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the 2014 academic year annual prices for undergraduate tuition, fees, room, and board were estimated to be: $15,640 at public institutions, $40,614 at private nonprofit institutions, and $23,135 at private for-profit institutions. Tuition at Salem State University, a public institution, comes in at approximately $8,646 for and in-state and $14,786 for an out-of-state student.

Salem State Reports wanted to know what the students and faculty thought about SSU’s tuition and fees.

Alicia Vizuet, senior
World Languages and Cultures major

“I started [at Salem State University] before there was an enrollment fee for transfer students, and now you have to pay a high fee. I noticed that once the new parking garage was built the fees increased [the parking permit]. Compared to other universities in the Boston area, it’s still fine, but, it was almost double the price [the parking permit].”

Arif Taruz, senior
Communications major

“Decent here, especially compared to other colleges around like the prep colleges. Gotta think, I don’t dorm here and I’m still paying upwards of $8,000 a year. That’s a decent car, or rent every year. In my opinion, I think it is too high, but compared to the surrounding colleges it’s a good deal.”

Professor Peg Dillon
Communications Department

“[SSU] is still a good deal financially. It is increasing [it’s tuition and fees] like all other schools around the country, but you could be paying $60,000 to go to a private school somewhere else for the same education.”