Understanding Your Costs

A crisp fall day on Salem State's Central Campus with a sunset view of Viking Hall

Cost of Attendance

The cost of your education and final bill depends on a number of factors, some you may not even expect. Some common terms related to your costs are explained here. 

Common college costs include more than tuition and food, and housing. Some examples of costs are:

ItemDescription
TuitionThe cost of taking courses
Food and HousingYour housing and meal plan costs if you live on campus
Books and School Supplies

Books can be expensive. School supplies include

  • book bags;
  • notebooks;
  • pens and pencils;
  • paper and computer paper; and
  • desk accessories such as folders, trays, and pen holders.
Fees

Examples include, and not limited to: 

  • university fees,
  • course fees,
  • activity fees
  • and parking fees.
Equipment and Room Materials

This category might include

  • a computer and printer;
  • reading lamps;
  • a microwave and refrigerator; and
  • sheets, towels, etc.
Travel and Miscellaneous Expenses
  • If you commute to school, include transportation costs.
  • If you live on campus, include travel during school breaks.
  • You may also want to include clothing and mobile phone costs.


Cost of Attendance

Cost of Attendance (COA) is the amount it will cost a student to go to school. The COA for completing a full academic year at Salem State University, if you’re attending school at least half-time, includes the following: 

  • tuition and fees
  • books, course materials, supplies, and equipment;
  • cost of housing and food (or living expenses);
  • transportation expenses;
  • loan fees (excluding any loan fees for non-federal student loans);
  • miscellaneous expenses (including a reasonable amount for the documented cost of a personal computer);
  • allowance for childcare or other dependent care;
  • costs related to a disability;
  • costs of obtaining a license, certification, or a first professional credential; and
  • reasonable costs for eligible study abroad programs.

Net Price and Net Price Calculator

The net price is an estimate of the actual cost a student must pay to cover their education expenses in a single academic year. It is the cost of attendance minus any grants and scholarships a student receives. 

The Net Price Calculator is a tool for prospective students and their families to estimate the cost of attending Salem State University.

Student and their families enter information about themselves to find out what students paid to attend Salem State University in the previous year after taking grants and scholarship aid into account. The information received is only an estimate and is not considered the final cost.

Federal Financial Aid Estimator

Students can use the Financial Aid Estimator on StudentAid.gov to find out how much federal student aid they may be eligible for. Students can use the Federal Student Aid Estimator before filling out the FAFSA form to help them understand their options for paying for college by providing them with an early estimate of how much federal student aid they may be eligible for.

Salem State Undergraduate Estimated Tuition Worksheet

Students can use the Undergraduate Estimated Tuition Worksheet to estimate their undergraduate tuition per year while they attend Salem State. Reviewing information on the tuition and fees each year is another excellent way to see what the final bill could be.

For information on tuition and fees, billing, and payment options, please visit the following:

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