Applying for Graduate Financial Aid
Students must complete theÌý, which determines their eligibility for financial aid.Ìý°Õ³ó±ð is required for each academic year a student is enrolled at Salem State in a degree-seeking program. The is free of charge to all students.
The will be available by December 31, 2023. Students will be considered for all federal, state, and institutional aid based on their completed and verified FAFSA information. The is required to be considered forÌýSalem State scholarships and many otherÌýscholarships.
°Õ´ÇÌý, complete the following steps:
- Create an account at . The account username, an FSA ID, and password allow students to complete and sign the electronically.
- While completing the , students must provide personal demographic and financial information, such as their federal income tax returns, W-2 forms, bank statements, and information on theirÌýinvestments.
- 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 .
Important Graduate Financial Aid Reminders
Minimum Credits and Academic Standing
Students must register for at least six credits per semester to receive federal financial aid. StudentsÌýmay only receive financial aid, including and , for courses that count towards their master's degree.Ìý
If a studentÌýregisters for a course not required for theirÌýmaster's degree, those credits will not be counted towards the six-credit minimum, nor will financial aid pay those credits. AllÌýsix credits must be taken at Salem State.Ìý
Certificate programs and credits are not eligible for federal financial aid nor count toward the six-creditÌýminimum.
Students must fully register for their semester courses within the Ìýbefore the .Ìý°Õ³ó±ð typically marks the end of theÌý for the semester. For more information, please visitÌý.
Federal Title IV (financial aid) funds are earned and prorated based on the percentage of days a student attends through the 60% point of the semester.ÌýIf students do not complete at least 60% of the semester, theirÌýaid may be adjusted and/or canceled.ÌýFor more information, please visitÌý
Students must meetÌýÌýto be eligible for financial aid. StudentsÌýmust maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 and successfully complete 67% of theirÌýattempted credits.
Students are responsible for understanding the university's policies. For more information on university policies, please reviewÌýtheÌýRefund, , , and ±è´Ç±ô¾±³¦¾±±ð²õ.Ìý
Direct Loan Master Promissory Notes, Loan Entrance Counseling and Loan FeesÌý
Students who receive a Federal Direct Loan for the first time at Salem State must complete aÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý at .
It is essential to understand that an and is legally requiredÌýand must be completed beforeÌýloan funds can be disbursed to a student's account at Salem State.
´¡ÌýÌýis taken on all Federal Direct Loans. The loan fee is a percentage of the loan amount proportionately deducted from each loan disbursement.ÌýSalem State cannot waive loan fees as they are legally required.
University and Financial Aid Communication
Students must monitor theirÌýÌýregularly. The and accounts are how the university communicates directly with students.
StudentsÌýwill see the Tasks tile log in toÌýtheir account. This is where the university will notify studentsÌýof items theyÌýmust complete on theirÌýTo-Do List relating to their enrollment, financial aid,Ìýor any holds on their account. For more information, please visitÌý
.
Book Advance
Ìýare offered to students who will have an excess of financial aid after funds have been applied to their bill for the semester. ´¡Ìýbook advance allows studentsÌýto "charge" theirÌýbooks to theirÌýstudent accounts.
All book advances are set to a maximum of $600 with no exceptions and are dependent upon the amount of theirÌýanticipated refund. The money is subtracted from theirÌýexpected refund if theyÌýuse their book advance. Any advanced unused funds will be added to theirÌýanticipated refund for the term.
Books must be purchased in person or online at theÌý. Eligible students will receive an email from theÌýÌýbefore the start of each semester.
Financial Aid Refunds
When financial aid funds are disbursed, any outstanding balances owed to the university are paid first. If there are any excess funds after the balance has been paid, a refund will be generated.
TheÌýStudent AccountsÌýOffice is responsible for processing and collecting student account bills and issuing student refunds. Refunds are directly deposited into the student's checking or savings account if they have registered for direct deposit or mailed to the student'sÌýpermanent address on file within two weeks.ÌýFor more information on setting up an account for direct deposit, please visit .
Financial aid refunds are issued beginning in October for the Fall semester and February for the Spring semester.
Cost of Exam to be Licensed, Certified, or Gain First Professional CredentialÌý
If a student is enrolled in a program that will require them to take an exam to be licensed, certified, or gain their first professional credential and is planning to register for that exam during the academic year, please contact theÌýfinancial aid officeÌýso that the cost of the exam may be included in their estimated cost of attendance.
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Contact Us
Financial Aid
352 Lafayette St.
Salem, MA 01970