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Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

6,056
Total Students
$11K
Tuition (In-State)
$21K
Tuition (Out-State)
$16K
Avg Net Price
89%
Acceptance Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
6-year
80%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Salisbury University

Salisbury University: Hands-on learning, community impact, and a vibrant academic hub.

Nestled on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Salisbury University began its journey in 1930 as the Maryland State Normal School, established to address a critical teacher shortage. From its humble beginnings as a two-year institution, it rapidly evolved, extending its curriculum and undergoing several name changes—from Maryland State Teachers College to Salisbury State University, before adopting its current name in 2001. Since the early 2000s, Salisbury has experienced remarkable growth in both enrollment and campus facilities, consistently adapting to meet the evolving needs of its students and the region. This commitment to expansion continues with the planned development of a new $100 million performing arts complex downtown.

Today, Salisbury University is a comprehensive institution known for its engaging academic environment and a strong emphasis on real-world application. With six academic units, including five endowed schools, SU offers a diverse array of programs, with popular majors spanning biology, business administration, kinesiology, and psychology. The nursing program is particularly recognized for its rigorous curriculum and selective admissions, while the Glenda Chatham and Robert G. Clarke Honors College stands out, with its publication, "The Saunterer," repeatedly earning national acclaim as the top honors print newsletter in the U.S.

The university's academic strengths are deeply rooted in experiential learning and community engagement. The Fulton School of Liberal Arts houses the UN-designated Bosserman Center for Conflict Resolution, featuring Nobel laureates as speakers and fostering global problem-solving. In the Henson School of Science and Technology, students and faculty benefit from over $7 million in NSF grant funding and cutting-edge facilities like the REAL Robotics Lab and a high-performance computing lab. Meanwhile, the Perdue School of Business is a hub for innovation, hosting one of the nation’s longest-running student entrepreneurship competitions and a unique Fraud and Forensic Accounting Certificate Program, partnering with local law enforcement to combat elder fraud—a program believed to be the only one of its kind.

Salisbury University offers a dynamic student experience, empowering students with unparalleled opportunities for research, leadership, and community service. From student-managed investment funds outperforming market averages to intercollegiate robotics competitions and impactful partnerships with correctional institutions, SU encourages students to apply their knowledge to make a tangible difference. The university remains committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, continually enhancing facilities and programs to ensure that every student can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

Key Highlights

  • ✦UN-Designated Bosserman Center for Conflict Resolution, hosting Nobel laureates and fostering global engagement as a UN University Regional Centre for Expertise.
  • ✦The Clarke Honors College's publication, "The Saunterer," was named the #1 honors print newsletter in the U.S. in 2017, 2019, and 2022.
  • ✦Henson School faculty and students have secured over $7 million in National Science Foundation grant funding for cutting-edge research.
  • ✦Home to the nation's second longest-running student entrepreneurship competition with an annual prize pool of $100,000, plus the $200,000 Shore Hatchery competition that has created nearly 700 jobs.
  • ✦The Perdue School of Business offers a unique Fraud and Forensic Accounting Certificate Program, partnering with the State's Attorney, believed to be the only program of its kind.
  • ✦The student-managed Sea Gull Fund, valued at over $2 million (as of 2016), has consistently outperformed the Standard & Poor's average.
  • ✦A new $100 million performing arts complex, featuring a 1,000-seat theater and other amenities, is planned for downtown Salisbury.

Timeline

1930
Opened as the Maryland State Normal School to train elementary school teachers.
1934
The required course of study was extended from three to four years.
1935
Name changed to Maryland State Teachers College.
1963
Name changed to Salisbury State College.
1988
Name changed to Salisbury State University.
2001
Name changed to Salisbury University.
2002
Began rapid growth in enrollment and campus facilities.
2016
The Glenda Chatham and Robert G. Clarke Honors College was created.
2020
The Bosserman Center was designated a United Nations University Regional Centre for Expertise Salisbury.
2022
Carolyn Ringer Lepre began her term as the 10th president of Salisbury University.
2024
Announcement of a new $100 million performing arts complex to be built downtown.

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within Salisbury University

🎭

Fulton School of Liberal Arts

Strong programs in creative writing, conflict resolution, and public affairs, notably housing the UN-designated Bosserman Center for Conflict Resolution.

🔬

Henson School of Science and Technology

Offers award-winning GIS programs, boasts significant NSF grant funding, and features advanced facilities like a high-performance computing lab and the REAL Robotics Lab.

💼

Perdue School of Business

Renowned for its leading entrepreneurship competitions, a student-managed investment fund (Sea Gull Fund), and a unique fraud and forensic accounting program.

📚

Seidel School of Education

One of the university's academic units focused on preparing future educators.

🏫

College of Health and Human Services

An academic unit dedicated to programs in health and human services, including a well-known and selective nursing program.

🏫

Glenda Chatham and Robert G. Clarke Honors College

An endowed college acclaimed for its award-winning publication, The Saunterer, and fostering advanced academic opportunities for students.

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