High-Quality Education at an Affordable Price

How do I apply?

• All admitted and current students who complete the FAFSA by August 1, 2025

Who is it for and what's included?

• For first-time or transfer students pursuing their first bachelor's degree
• Applies to undergraduate day students starting or transferring in fall 2025
• Covers only tuition and mandatory fees
• Does not include costs like housing, books or travel, but additional financial resources may be available to help

Who qualifies?

To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

• Massachusetts resident for at least one year
• Household income of $75,000 or less
• Full-time undergraduate day student (12–18 credits)
• FAFSA completed by August 1, 2025
• Demonstrated financial need

How does it work?

Salem State will cover the full cost of tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students through a combination of federal, state and institutional aid, including:

• Federal Pell Grants
• State programs like MassGrant and MassGrant Plus Expansion
• Institutional aid and scholarships from Salem State

No additional forms are required; eligibility is determined during the financial aid process.

For families with incomes above this level, the recent expansion of Federal and State financial aid programs, as well as our own institutional financial aid and scholarship opportunities, will allow eligible Viking students to pursue their degree at little to no tuition and fee costs. 

How do I apply?

• All admitted and current students who complete the FAFSA by August 1, 2025

Salem State University participates in NEBHE's Tuition Break Program. The program enables thousands of New England residents to enroll at out-of-state New England public colleges and universities at a discount. 

Beginning fall 2025, all newly admitted DAY students from Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont will automatically qualify for the NEBHE Tuition Break Program, regardless of academic major.