Welcome to the Salem State community! This is a very exciting time for you and your student. We hope you'll take the time to learn more about Salem State University, attend an in-person or online event and join our Viking Family Hub to be fully immersed in your students experience throughout their journey as a Salem State Viking.
Located just 15 miles north of Boston on the North Shore, we're one of the largest state universities in Massachusetts, and provide an academic home preparing a diverse community of learners to creatively contribute and serve in cultural, social and economic development.
Parent/Family Resources
Our application is free through December 15. Encourage your student to take advantage of this opportunity and receive a decision earlier!
ISBN numbers should match when looking for books)
Generally, these are out-of-pocket costs and vary greatly depending on major/program of study. Please see the link above for a list of options at our bookstore.
Career services supports the career and professional development of undergraduate and graduate students and alumni one year post-graduation, so that they can successfully navigate their internship, job, and graduate school search process with confidence.
The ClipperCard is our official identification card that gives you access to resources on and off campus. A student would use their ClipperCard for things such as meal plans if they are eligible, their residence halls, the library, and our parking garage. ClipperCard
The cost of attendance (COA) is not the bill that you may get from Salem State University; it is the total amount it will cost you to go to college each year and includes tuition and fees; on-campus room and board (or a housing and food allowance for off-campus students); allowances for books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and, if applicable, dependent care. It can also include other expenses like an allowance for the rental or purchase of a personal computer, costs related to a disability, or costs for eligible study-abroad programs.
Salem State University encourages you to make your deposit (enrollment and housing) as soon as possible to secure your spot.
If you believe you are eligible for a waiver please complete the Admissions Deposit Waiver Form.
Connect with other parents/family members, ask questions, stay connected to what's going on at Salem State!
FERPA is the law that protects the privacy of a student’s educational records regardless of age or who is paying the bill. If the student would like to give their parent or guardian access to their educational records, the student must elect to waive their rights to FERPA by submitting a waiver in Navigator.
Please note: If the student does not complete the FERPA Waiver, parents and guardians will not be able to obtain or access any specific information about the student.
Verification is a federally mandated process whereby the university, the college financial aid administrator will ask the applicant to supply copies of documentation, such as income tax returns, W-2 statements and 1099 forms, to verify the data that was submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Verification is intended to improve the accuracy of the information submitted on the FAFSA. Financial aid administrators have the right to ask for any documentation they feel is necessary to complete verification. If the family refuses to supply this documentation, the college is prohibited from disbursing federal student aid to the student.
Your students first year at Salem State University is an opportunity to explore, learn and grow. The first year experience office (FYE) is here to ensure they have access to the resources and support needed to successfully navigate the transition from high school to university life. The first-year experience will lay the foundation for continued success in academic, intellectual, social, and civic endeavors throughout their undergraduate career.
The FAFSA is available starting October 1.
Student and their families will complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which determines their eligibility for financial aid. The FAFSA is free and easy to complete. The FAFSA must be completed for each year you would like to receive financial aid. You must create a FSA ID and password to sign the FAFSA. Learn more about the FAFSA process and materials you will need to complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
Based on the State of Massachusetts guidelines, students are required to have health insurance. If a student has their own, they are welcome to waive out of the school’s health insurance through their Navigator account. Please check the Health Insurance page for more information.
Health Services Portal
Students are encouraged to monitor their health services portal, which can be accessed through Navigator. If counseling and health services is requesting any immunization records, students can see exactly what is needed in this portal.
For on-campus jobs visit the Student Employment Office.
In September, during the first week of classes, there is a Student Employment and Volunteer Fair that takes place on campus.
Parents can apply for a loan on behalf of their student by going to studentloans.gov. If a parent gets approved, they must remember to go back and complete the Master Promissory Note so the school can be notified of the approval. If a parent is declined the parent plus loan, the student's federal unsubsidized direct loan will automatically increase.
First and second year undergraduates receive an additional $4,000 unsubsidized for the year ($2,000 per semester)
Third year and beyond receive an additional $5,000 unsubsidized for the year ($2,500 per semester)
Note: Applications for this loan should be done within 30 days of the start of fall semester and should cover the entire academic year.
All eligible students who choose to bring a car to campus must purchase a parking pass online through their Navigator account. At the time of your online purchase, you will receive a temporary parking pass that is valid for 10 days while you wait to receive your parking decal in the mail. Freshmen are not eligible to park on campus with the exception of commuters. For more information please visit the parking page.
Enroll in an interest-free monthly payment plan through TouchNet, (plan enrollment is a $40 non-refundable fee). Review the "How to set-up a Payment Plan" guide. Enrollment for fall plans is mid-July, spring plan is mid-Dec and summer plans is mid-May. Please refer to the TouchNet announcement section for specific dates on when plans are available.
Students should log into Navigator to enroll in a payment plan. Authorized users only (those who have been granted online access by their student) should log into TouchNet with their credentials.
Private student loans can help you cover the cost of attendance that isn't covered by other aid you've received. These private loans are available through banks, credit unions, online lenders, and other financial institutions and must be paid back. Salem State does not endorse any particular lender; visit elmselect.com to compare student loan options.
Students have the option to use Viking Scholarships (open end of Fall semester through midpoint of Spring semester) in their Navigator account or online to view and apply for any internal scholarships for which they may be eligible, and access links to external scholarships. Below is a list of other possible scholarship websites:
All students are billed depending on what type of classes they register for (day vs evening) and whether they are in-state or out of state. We bill per semester and expect students to regularly review their accounts. All students must pay their bill by dates below:
- Fall bills are due the second Wednesday in August
- Spring bills are due the second Wednesday in January
- Summer I bills are due May 25
- Summer II bills are due July 25
For more information please visit the tuition and fees page.
The Viking Family Hub is your all-access pass to staying connected and informed about your student's journey at Salem State University. Whether your Viking is already part of the crew or you're exploring the possibility of joining our prideful community, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss.
Sign-up to experience the ultimate portal designed exclusively for parents and families like you!
