Scholarships

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

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

Scholarship Information

Incoming Students

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

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

Current Salem State Students

Viking Scholarships

Current Salem State students are invited to apply for endowed scholarships through the Viking Scholarship Portal, which are awarded annually to students who meet the donor’s criteria.

Students who submit the general scholarship application through the Viking Scholarship Portal will be automatically matched to scholarships for which they qualify.

The Viking Scholarship general application is open from December 1 to March 1 each year. Students will be notified of their award before the billing due date.

Learn more about the Viking Scholarship process.

Salem State Grant Information

Salem State University offers need-based grants to students who meet grant eligibility requirements. Need-based grants are awarded on a funds-available basis. Grants are prorated based on the number of credits a student is enrolled in and may not be awarded annually. If a student is eligible, the grant is applied automatically to their award package.

Salem State University Grant

The Salem State University Grant is a need-based grant awarded on a funds-available basis. The grant may not be awarded to a student annually. This grant is prorated based on the number of credits students are enrolled in. Students must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

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 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.