College is Within Reach
At Salem State University, we believe college should be within reach for every student. That’s why we offer an affordable public university experience— backed by generous financial aid, state support and institutional scholarships.
Whether you’re a firstgeneration student or the first in your family to navigate the financial aid process, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
NEARLY 50% OF STUDENTS ATTEND SALEM STATE FOR FREE*
98% OF STUDENTS RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID*
$15,547 AVERAGE FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE*
$10,502 AVERAGE GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED*
#23 IN THE NATION FOR SOCIAL MOBILITY IN THE 2025 U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT RANKINGS, Salem State tied for 23rd in the country, helping students improve their long-term career and earning potential.
*Based on 2023-24 financial aid data for degree-seeking undergraduate students.
What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid is money that helps you pay for college. It can come from the federal government, the state of Massachusetts, Salem State, or outside sources.
There are several types of financial aid:
GRANTS: Awards based on your family’s financial situation (you don’t have to pay them back)
SCHOLARSHIPS: Based on your achievements, financial need or both (you don’t have to pay them back)
WORK-STUDY: Part-time jobs offered by the university (you earn money while you study)
LOANS: Money you borrow to help pay for college (you’ll repay it later, often with interest)
To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov Salem State’s school code is 002188
How to Pay for College
Most students and families pay for college using a combination of:
• SAVINGS
• SCHOLARSHIPS
• GRANTS
• WORK-STUDY
• FAMILY INCOME
• LOANS (IF NEEDED)
You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. Our team is here to HELP you.
Financial Aid Timeline
August 1
ADMISSIONS APPLICATION
AVAILABLE ONLINE
salemstate.edu/apply
October 1
FAFSA AVAILABLE ONLINE
Salem State’s school code is 002188. studentaid.gov
December
FINANCIAL AID PACKAGES RELEASED
Salem State begins sending financial aid offers to admitted students in December on a rolling basis.
February 15
FAFSA PRIORITY DEADLINE
The sooner you apply for financial aid, the more institutional funds (such as grants and scholarships) may be available.
May 1
FAFSA DEADLINE for Massachusetts residents to be considered for MASSGrant aid
ENROLLMENT AND HOUSING DEPOSITS DUE
salemstate.edu/pay-deposit
What Happens Next?
Once you’ve submitted your FAFSA and been admitted, our financial aid office will create a financial aid package customized to your family’s financial circumstances.
Your financial aid package will include the following:
Your Cost of Attendance (COA)
The total estimated cost to attend Salem State for one academic year, which includes:
• TUITION AND FEES
• ROOM AND MEAL PLAN (IF LIVING ON CAMPUS)
• INDIRECT COSTS like off-campus housing and transportation (if commuting), books, supplies, and personal expenses
Your Student Aid Index (SAI)
A number generated from your FAFSA that helps determine your financial need and the individual aid programs you qualify for. This may include grants, scholarships, loans or work-study.
Your Net Price (Costs-Aid)
The amount you’ll actually pay to attend Salem State for one academic year.
Not Sure Where to Start?
The Student Navigation Center, Salem State’s one-stop support center for the business of being a student and home to our financial aid office, is here for you with 1:1 support, from completing your FAFSA to reviewing your financial aid award letter. Book your appointment at salemstate.edu/navcenter
A New Era oƒ Affordability
We’re proud to offer new ways to help make your college dream a reality.
Free Tuition and Mandatory Fees
If your household income is $75,000 or less, you may qualify to attend Salem State tuition and fee-free through The Remarkable Salem State Difference initiative.*
Significant Support for Middle-Income Families
If your household income is between $75,000 and $100,000, you may qualify for a 50% reduction in tuition and fees through the expanded MASSGrant Plus program.*
*This program is based on state funding availability. Must be a Massachusetts resident and demonstrate financial need to be eligible. Room and board are not covered.
Financial Aid Options for Every Eligible Student
For families with incomes above this level, the recent expansion of federal and state financial aid programs, combined with our own institutional financial aid and scholarship opportunities, will enable eligible Viking students to pursue their bachelor’s degree at minimal to no tuition and fee costs.
New England Residents Save
Live in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont? You qualify for discounted tuition through the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break Program, saving you thousands on your Salem State education.
Students From Beyond New England
Out-of-state students from outside New England automatically receive a $6,000 tuition award, making Salem State more affordable no matter where you live.
Learn more about these affordability options at salemstate.edu/affordable
2025-2026 Tuition and Fees
In-State
Out-of-State
Students from outside New England automatically receive a $6,000 out-of-state award—bringing their cost close to the in-state rate.
$20,117
NEBHE Tuition Break
Students from Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont automatically qualify for this reduced tuition rate through the NEBHE Tuition Break Program.
$14,432
All charges are subject to change. Some programs may have additional fees. Visit salemstate.edu/tuition for full details.
A Supportive Path ƒor Undocumented Students
Salem State is committed to equity and access for all students, regardless of immigration status.
Massachusetts High School Completer Tuition Equity Program
If you attended a Massachusetts high school for at least three years and graduated or earned a GED/HiSET here, you may qualify for in-state tuition and fees.
MASFA and Institutional Aid
Undocumented students should submit the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) by to be considered for aid, including the opportunity for free tuition and mandatory fees if eligible.
TheDream.US National Scholarship
Salem State partners with TheDream.US to offer scholarships of up to $33,000 to help cover tuition and fees toward a bachelor’s degree. Awards are renewable based on continued eligibility. Some students may also receive an additional stipend of up to $6,000 to help pay for books, supplies and transportation.
Visit salemstate.edu/dream to learn more about financial aid offerings and resources for undocumented students.
Why a Bachelor’s Degree Still Matters
$1,754 vs. $953 weekly
earning potential for bachelor’s degree holders is nearly 85% higher than for those with a high school diploma
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Median weekly earnings by educational attainment, Q1 2025,” The Economics Daily, April 2025
2.1% vs. 4.3%
unemployment rate for bachelor’s degree holders is about half that of high school-only graduates
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “The unemployment rate for high school graduates was 4.3 percent in May 2024,” The Economics Daily
Real Opportunities. Real Results.
Salem State students don’t just dream big —they graduate prepared.
• Students have access to more than 14,000 internships and over 50,000 paid job postings through Handshake, Salem State’s career services portal.
• 600+ employers participate in on-campus recruiting events and other initiatives
• 1:1 career advising, resume workshops and interview coaching
• Annual Job and Internship Fair each March, featuring employers from every industry, including first-yearfriendly employers offering internships and parttime roles
• Classroom presentations to help connect your academic major with career pathways and employer expectations
• Opportunities to engage with a deep-rooted alumni network of over 70,000 Vikings
• A Salem State education is more than affordable—it’s an investment in your future.