Graduate Financial Aid

Students will complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which determines their eligibility for financial aid. The FAFSA is required for each academic year a student is enrolled at Salem State in a degree-seeking program. You will need a secure username, called an FSA ID, and a password to complete the FAFSA. It will take about 30 minutes to complete the first time you apply for aid. Students can do a quick renewal process every year after that. 

To apply for financial aid, complete the following steps:

• Create a Federal Student Aid ID
• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Salem State's school code is 002188
• When you fill out your FAFSA, you'll provide personal demographic and financial information, such as your federal income tax returns, W-2 forms, bank statements, and information on your investments.

The FAFSA is available starting October 1 at no cost to students. Students will be considered for all federal, state, and institutional aid based on the information from their FAFSA. The FAFSA is also a requirement to be considered for Salem State scholarships and many other scholarships.

Apply for Graduate Financial Aid

Apply for Graduate Grants and Scholarships

Minimum Credits and Academic Standing
 

• Students must register for at least six credits per semester to receive federal financial aid. Students may only receive financial aid (including Federal Direct Loans and Federal Direct PLUS Loans) for courses that count towards their master's degree. If a student registers for a course not required for their master's degree, those credits will not be counted towards the six-credit minimum, nor will financial aid pay for those credits. All six credits must be taken at Salem State. 
• Certificate programs and credits are neither eligible for federal financial aid nor count toward the six-credit minimum.
• Students must fully register for their semester courses within the Add/Drop period before the census date. The census date typically marks the end of the Add/Drop period for the semester.
  • At 11:59:59 pm on the last day of the Add/Drop Period each semester, the Financial Aid Office takes a "snapshot" of all students' enrollment to lock in their official enrollment for financial aid eligibility and reporting purposes. Only credits "locked in" will be recognized for financial aid purposes.
  • Please visit What is the Census Date and Roster Verification for more information.
• Students must meet Graduate Student Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)  to be eligible for financial aid. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 and successfully complete 67 percent of their attempted credits.

Loan Entrance Counseling and Loan Fees 
 

• If a student receives a Federal Direct Loan for the first time at Salem State, they must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Loan Entrance Counseling. Please log in to Studentaid.gov and complete the MPN and Loan Entrance Counseling. 
• It is essential to understand that an MPN and Loan Entrance Counseling is required for loan funds to arrive and disburse at Salem State.
• A loan fee is taken on all Federal Direct Loans. The loan fee is a percentage of the loan amount and is proportionately deducted from each loan disbursement. 

Financial Aid Communication
 

• When students log in to Navigator, they will see the "Tasks" tile; this is how the university will notify students of items they need to complete on their To Do List relating to their enrollment or financial aid or Holds on their account. 
  • Please visit How to: View my holds and To-Do List for more information.
• Students must monitor their Salem State email and Navigator accounts regularly. Salem State email and Navigator accounts will be the primary way the university communicates with students.

• Students must review their accounts regularly for any potential charges or fees. Be sure to check the
  current tuition and fees. 
  • Please visit Tuition and Fees for a complete list of the current tuition and fees and Understanding Tuition and Fees for more information. 

Advances and Refunds
 

• Book advances are offered to students who will have an excess of financial aid after funds have been applied to their bill for the semester. A book advance will allow students to "charge" their books to their student accounts. All book advances are set to a maximum of $600 with no exceptions and are dependent upon the amount of their anticipated refund. The money is subtracted from their expected refund if they use the book advance. Any advanced unused funds will be added to their anticipated refund for the term. Books must be purchased in person or online at the Salem State Bookstore. Eligible students will receive an email from the Salem State Bookstore before the start of each semester.
• If a student's estimated financial aid exceeds their estimated charges for the term, they may receive a refund to assist them with living expenses. The Student Accounts Office issues refunds within the
  Student Navigation Center. Financial aid refunds are issued in October for the fall semester and February for the spring semester. Students may receive their refund as a direct deposit to their bank account. 
  • Please visit How to set up direct deposit/eRefund for more information.
• Federal Title IV (Financial Aid) funds are earned and prorated based on the percentage of days a student attends through the 60% point of the semester. If a student does not complete at least 60% of the semester, their aid may be adjusted and/or canceled. 
  • Please visit Why Did My Financial Aid Change? for more information.
• Students are responsible for understanding the university's policies. Be sure to review the refund policy, the add/drop policy, and the attendance and walk-away policy. 

Cost of Exam to be Licensed, Certified, or Gain First Professional Credential 
 

If you are enrolled in a program that will require you to take an exam to be licensed, certified, or gain your first professional credential and are planning to register for that exam during the academic year, please contact the Financial Aid Office so that the cost of the exam may be included in your estimated cost of attendance.