Applying for Financial Aid

Applying for Aid

Spring Central Campus Quad

Beginning the financial aid process? It all starts with the FAFSA! 

Students, their families, or other FAFSA contributors will need a secure username, called an FSA ID, and a password to complete the FAFSA the first time they complete it. 

The FSA ID allows students and contributors to complete and sign the FAFSA electronically. Keep this information safe and accessible; it will be used each year a FAFSA is completed. The FAFSA is required each year a student attends Salem State and would like to receive financial aid.

Based on the information from the FAFSA, students will be considered for all federal, state, and institutional aid. The FAFSA is required to be considered for Salem State scholarships and many other scholarships.

Steps to Apply for Financial Aid

  1. Create an account at studentaid.gov.
  2. 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 their investments when completing the FAFSA,
  3. Be sure to list Salem State University in the school information section so we may receive your FAFSA information. Salem State's Federal School Code is 002188.
  4. Complete, electronically sign, and submit the FAFSA.

Financial Aid Deadlines

The Massachusetts state deadline for the 2024-2025 aid year is July 1.

Need Help Filing Out the FAFSA?

If students need help filling out the FAFSA form while on studentaid.gov, they can:

  • While in the online FAFSA form, select the white question mark icon next to a question to view a ToolTip that provides information about answering that question.
  • Visit the FAFSA Help page, view trending FAFSA topics, browse FAQs, search for more information, or select Contact Us.
    • Once you select Contact Us, you can email your question or chat (in English or Spanish) with live technical support staff during business hours.

MassEdCo Educational Opportunity Center

Salem State University has partnered with the MassEdCO Educational Opportunity Center to provide additional support to students and families needing assistance with the FAFSA process. The MassEdCo Educational Opportunity Center can assist with the following:

  • Understanding the college application process and how to fill out an application
  • Understanding the financial aid process and completing the FAFSA
  • 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 the North Shore Area Educational Opportunity Center in Lynn, Massachusetts. 

 

FAFSA Day

FAFSA Day is a non-profit, volunteer-driven program that provides free assistance to students and families seeking to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Financial aid professionals from colleges and organizations across Massachusetts are ready and available to answer questions and walk you and your family through the application process.

In addition, you can call MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) on weekdays at (800) 449-6332 (9 am-5 pm) or email them at fafsaday@gmail.com.

 

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