College can be expensive. The Financial Aid Office at Salem State is here to help. Our primary goal is to help students achieve their educational potential by assisting them with navigating the financial aid process and affording the cost of their education. We do this by awarding federal, state, and institutional aid, including , , , and .
What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid is money from federal and state governments that helps pay for a student's educational expenses. Awards might be based on grades, financial needs, talents, or circumstances. They can come from several sources, including federal and state governments and institutional aid.
Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Salem State offers a combination of need-based (aid that solely takes into account a student's and their family's ability to pay for college) and merit-based (aid based on a student's achievements and academic performance, typically in the form of a scholarship that does not need to be repaid) aid.
Aid types includeÌý, , , , and . Aid is divided into two categories: gift aid and self-help aid.
- Gift aid can be need-based or merit-based aid given to a student without the obligation of repayment; most , , and fall into this category.
- Self-help aid is either a award that must be earned through a job on campus or a that must be paid back.Ìý
Video Guidance
Visit our videos on and
How to Apply for Financial Aid
The is available starting in December 2023 at no cost to students.Ìý
Students, their families, or other will need a secure username, called an , and a password to complete the the first time they complete it. The allows students and contributors to complete and sign the electronically. Keep this information safe and accessible; it will be used each year a is completed. The is required each year a student attends Salem State and would like to receive financial aid.
Based on the information from the , students will be considered for all federal, state, and institutional aid. The is required to be considered forÌýSalem State scholarships and many otherÌýscholarships.
ToÌý, complete the following steps:
- Create an account at .
- Students and contributors must provide personal demographic and financial information, such as their federal income tax returns, W-2 forms, bank statements, and information on theirÌýinvestments when completing the ,
- Be sure to list Salem State University in the school information section so we may receive your information. Salem State's Federal School Code is 002188.
- Complete, electronically sign, and submit the .
Are there Deadlines?Ìý
The Massachusetts state deadline for the 2024-2025 aid year is JulyÌý1.
- Are you from another state?
Need Help Filing Out the FAFSA?
If students while on , they can:
- While in the online form, select the white question mark icon next to a question to view a ToolTip that provides information about answering that question.
- Visit theÌýÌýpage, view trending topics, browse FAQs, search for more information, or select .
- Once you select , you can email your question or chat (in English or Spanish) with live technical support staff during business hours.
Salem State UniversityÌýhas partnered with theÌýÌýto provide additional support to students and families needing assistance with the process. TheÌýÌýcan assist with the following:
- Understanding the college application process and how to fill out an application
- Understanding the financial aid process and completing the
- Deciding what to study and choosing an academic program that matches their career interests
- if applicable, transfer to Salem State, and much more!
For additional information, please contact theÌýÌýin Lynn, Massachusetts.Ìý
Understanding Your Costs
Cost of Attendance
TheÌý is the estimated cost of completing a full academic year at Salem State University. COA includes:Ìý
- the estimate of tuition and mandatory fees
- the cost of room and board (or living expenses for students who do not contract with the school for room and board)
- the cost of books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and miscellaneous expenses (including a reasonable amount for the documented cost of a personal computer)
- an allowance for child care or other dependent care
- costs related to a disability
- and/or reasonable costs for eligible study-abroad programsÌý
Net Price and Net Price Calculator
Net Price is the amount a student pays to attend an institution in a single academic year AFTER subtracting scholarships and grants they receive.
Students and their families can use the Net Price Calculator to estimate the cost of attendance at Salem State University. The tool allows prospective students and their families to enter information about themselves to find out what students like them paid to attend the institution in the previous two years after taking grants and scholarship aid into account. The information received isÌýonly an estimateÌýand is not considered the final cost.
Undergraduate Estimated Tuition Worksheet
Students can use the to estimate their undergraduate tuition. For information on tuition and fees, please visit Tuition and Fees and .
Ìý
Student Emergency Fund
The Salem State University Emergency Funds were created through the generous donations of alumni, community members, local businesses, staff, faculty, and students to support unexpected personal financial emergencies. Applying does not guarantee that you will be eligible to receive funds, as funds are based on various factors, including, but not limited to, availability of funds, matriculation status, and the nature of the emergency.
Please visit for more information on the application process.
Ìý
Still Have Questions?
Contact the Student Navigation Â鶹³ÉÈ˾«Æ· if you need help or have questions about Salem State. The Student Navigation Â鶹³ÉÈ˾«Æ· can check whether we received a , have trouble logging into a , have billing questions, and more.
Ìý
Contact Us
Financial Aid
352 Lafayette St.
Salem, MA 01970