A WORTHY INVESTMENT

Salem State is the region’s leading educational resource: We transform students’ lives, contribute to the intellectual and economic vitality of the North Shore and fuel the workforce of the Commonwealth.

From law enforcement officers to social workers, preschool teachers to entrepreneurs, Salem State graduates play an important role in the life of every city and town in the region. As a public university, our student body reflects the rich diversity of our communities; we continue to evolve our programs and services to help students with different goals and backgrounds navigate their academic journey.

We take great pride in our commitment to engage and support virtually anyone looking to advance their lives and careers: first-generation college students, veterans, immigrants, and individuals representing diverse racial identities and socioeconomic backgrounds. In recent decades, as the funding model for state universities has evolved, the financial hurdles for many of our students have increased. For example, in 1983, students paid 30 percent of the cost to attend Salem State, with the Commonwealth covering the balance; today’s students pay 70 percent. For those we serve, family incomes have remained flat for the past 50 years, while the decline in state support has caused our tuition and fees to climb an increase of more than 100 percent in the past 20 years alone.

Your gift to the Meet the Moment™ campaign affirms and empowers the students we serve: an exceptionally talented, diverse and tenacious group of learners who benefit dramatically from the generosity of donors who believe in their potential.

“Most of the world’s problems can be solved through education. Supporting Salem State enables me to have the biggest impact I can on the region. Our mission is more relevant than ever, our students’ needs are greater than ever and our case for support is stronger than ever. When I watch students being trained on the state-of-the-art equipment in the Cabot Wealth Management Lab, I see how Salem State isn’t just developing their skills it’s lifting up the entire North Shore.”

ROB LUTTS, former chair, Board of Trustees