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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: Cultivating engaged learners, innovative leaders, and community impact.

Salisbury University stands as a dynamic institution committed to fostering engaged learning, entrepreneurial spirit, and significant community impact. Originally founded to address Maryland's teacher shortage, SU has evolved into a comprehensive university celebrated for its blend of rigorous academics and hands-on opportunities, preparing students to thrive in a complex world.

The university's history traces back to September 7, 1930, when it opened as the Maryland State Normal School. Starting as a two-year institution to train elementary school teachers, it quickly adapted to changing educational needs. By 1934, the curriculum extended to four years, paving the way for its rebranding as Maryland State Teachers College in 1935. Over the decades, the institution expanded its offerings, becoming Salisbury State College in 1963, Salisbury State University in 1988, and finally Salisbury University in 2001, reflecting its growth in master's programs and broader academic scope. This journey showcases a continuous commitment to educational excellence and adaptation.

Academically, Salisbury University boasts six distinct academic units, including the Fulton School of Liberal Arts, Henson School of Science and Technology, Perdue School of Business, Seidel School of Education, College of Health and Human Services, and the Glenda Chatham and Robert G. Clarke Honors College. Popular majors range from biology and business administration to kinesiology and psychology, with particular recognition for its selective nursing program. The university emphasizes applied learning, as seen in the Perdue School's nationally recognized entrepreneurship competitions, the Henson School's award-winning GIS program, and the Fulton School's Bosserman Center for Conflict Resolution, a designated UN University Regional Centre for Expertise.

Students at Salisbury University benefit from a vibrant and supportive environment. The Clarke Honors College, with its nationally acclaimed publication "The Saunterer," offers enriched academic experiences. Beyond the classroom, opportunities abound, from managing a real-world investment portfolio with the Sea Gull Fund to participating in UN Millennium Fellows projects. The university is also proactively enhancing its campus and community experience, with rapid growth in facilities and a newly announced $100 million performing arts complex downtown, underscoring its dedication to providing a holistic and forward-looking educational journey for its students.

Key Highlights

  • Home to the nation's second longest-running student entrepreneurship competition with an annual prize pool of $100,000.
  • The Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery entrepreneurship competition awards $200,000 annually, generating an estimated $100 million in profits and nearly 700 jobs.
  • The Clarke Honors College's publication, The Saunterer, was named the No. 1 honors print newsletter in the U.S. in 2017, 2019, and 2022.
  • SU's M.S. in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Management earned the American Association of Geographers 2022 Program Excellence Award.
  • The Perdue School's student-managed Sea Gull Fund, valued at over $2 million (as of 2016), has consistently outperformed the Standard & Poor's average.
  • The Bosserman Center for Conflict Resolution is designated as a United Nations University Regional Centre for Expertise Salisbury.
  • Launched a unique Fraud and Forensic Accounting Certificate Program, partnering with the Office of the State’s Attorney of Worcester County to combat elder fraud.

Timeline

1930
Opened as the Maryland State Normal School.
1934
Curriculum extended to a four-year course of study.
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.
2016
The Glenda Chatham and Robert G. Clarke Honors College was created.
2020
The Bosserman Center designated as a UN University Regional Centre for Expertise Salisbury.
2022
Carolyn Ringer Lepre began her term as the 10th president of Salisbury University.
2024
Announced a new $100 million performing arts complex to be built downtown.

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within Salisbury University

🎭

Fulton School of Liberal Arts

Houses programs such as Creative Writing, the Bosserman Center for Conflict Resolution (a UN University Regional Centre for Expertise), and the Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement.

🔬

Henson School of Science and Technology

Features programs in GIS Management (award-winning), high-performance computing, and houses the REAL Robotics Lab for STEM students and the GULLS VEXU Robotics Team.

💼

Perdue School of Business

Known for its nationally recognized entrepreneurship competitions, the Mid-Atlantic Sales and Marketing Institute, the student-managed Sea Gull Fund, and the Dave and Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship.

📚

Seidel School of Education

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

🏫

College of Health and Human Services

One of the university's academic units, including well-known and selective nursing programs, and offers a unique Fraud and Forensic Accounting Certificate Program.

🏫

Glenda Chatham and Robert G. Clarke Honors College

Created in 2016 and endowed in 2020, its publication, The Saunterer, has been ranked as the #1 honors print newsletter in the U.S. multiple times.

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