Scholarships

Salem State offers a number of institutional scholarships and grants to help offset the cost of getting your degree. Whether you're an incoming Salem State student or an upperclassmen, there are opportunities for you to reduce your college expenses!

Salem State academic scholarships are awarded to some incoming students who meet eligibility requirements. Students awarded academic scholarships must maintain a full-time course load and meet academic progress goals.

Need-based grants are awarded on a funds-available basis. Grants may not be awarded to a student annually and are pro-rated based on the number of credits in which a student is enrolled.

How to Apply

Students applying to Salem State who submit their FAFSA are automatically considered for institutional scholarships and grants.

Additionally, incoming first-year students in specific programs may apply for one of two endowed scholarships (details below).

Harold T. and Alice M. McCarthy Memorial Scholarship

The Harold T. and Alice M. McCarthy Memorial Scholarship is a full, four-year scholarship that includes full tuition, fees, room and board, and books and is awarded to a talented first-year student majoring in art + design with demonstrated financial need.

All entering first-year students who have been accepted into the art + design major with demonstrated financial need are eligible for the Harold T. and Alice M. McCarthy Memorial Scholarship.

McCarthy Scholarship Details

Jack Welch Scholarship

The Jack Welch Scholarship is a four-year scholarship that covers tuition, fees, and books. New recipients are selected annually.

To qualify, you must be a Salem, Massachusetts resident, admitted and enrolled full-time in Salem State University's Bertolon School of Business. Recipients can commute or live on campus; however, this scholarship does not cover room and board.

Jack Welch Scholarship Details

Viking Scholarships

Current Salem State students are also invited to apply for endowed scholarships, which are awarded each year to students meeting the criteria.

Submit one application to be automatically matched to the scholarships for which you qualify! The Viking Scholarship portal is open to applications from December 15 to March 1 each year, and students are notified of their awards by June 30. Learn more about applying for scholarships.

Viking Completion Grant

The Viking Completion Grant program, generously established by Kim Gassett-Schiller ’83, ‘18H, and Philip Schiller, aims to annually award 50 to 75 microgrants of up to $6,500 each to the university seniors with high academic merit who are most at risk for dropping out. The program will combine this financial support with ongoing coaching to encourage awardees’ successful on-time completion. Learn more about the Learn more about the Viking Completion Grant.

Student Emergency Fund

The Salem State University Emergency Funds were created through the generous donations of alumni, community members, local businesses, staff, faculty, and students to support unexpected personal financial emergencies. Applying does not guarantee that you will be eligible to receive funds, as funds are based on various factors, including, but not limited to, availability of funds, matriculation status, and the nature of the emergency. Learn more about the Student Emergency Fund.