Salem State University, along with the other Massachusetts state universities, has recently joined the Commonwealth Commitment program. The program offers Massachusetts residents a significant financial discount to pursue higher education.
Students who complete their associate degree in one of the newly established MassTransfer Pathway programs will be eligible for a number of financial and transfer credit benefits at Salem State University.
Financial benefits offered to students in the program
A freeze on tuition and fees for all four years upon entry into the Commonwealth Commitment program, until student graduates or leaves program
A reduction in tuition and mandatory fees by an average of $5,090 over four years through:
A 10 percent rebate off tuition and mandatory fees, payable via check or bookstore voucher at the end of every successfully completed semester
An additional MassTransfer tuition credit once student enrolls in bachelor's program (full in-state tuition waiver)
To be eligible, students must:
Begin at one of Massachusetts’ Community Colleges between fall 2016 and fall 2017 in one of the sixteen MassTransfer Pathway programs
Declare their intention and commitment to the program, to their advisor at the community college, within their first 15 credits
Maintain full-time, continuous enrollment in a state supported program (i.e. day division) and a cumulative 3.0 GPA throughout the program
Complete associate degree within 2.5 years
MassTransfer Pathway programs eligible through Commonwealth Commitment at Salem State University:
Beginning at the community college in fall 2016:
Biology, chemistry, economics, history, political science, and psychology
Beginning at the community college in fall 2017:
Business, communications and media studies, criminal justice, early childhood education, English, liberal arts, mathematics, sociology, STEM natural/physical sciences