Welcome to Viking Country!

Salem State is working very hard to look at all options regarding the fall semester, and are strongly committed to try our best to have safe face to face learning happening on campus. A working group has been formed to review all of the options, weighing the safety and health of our students, staff and faculty first.

There are many things outside the school's control and any final decision on fall will depend on the course of the pandemic and guidance from the state and federal government over the next few months. Please know that even in the best-case scenario, return to in-class instruction, we expect there will be a “new normal.” This past spring semester has proven what we can all accomplish together and we will need to continue to be a resilient community in the months ahead.

A Day in the Life of a Viking

Whether you live on campus or commute, there's a home for you here.

1. Submit Deposits

Submit your $100 non-refundable enrollment deposit and your $300 non-refundable housing deposit (if you are living on campus) online. The enrollment deposit and the housing deposit are both due June 1. All day and transfer students must pay their enrollment deposit in order to register for orientation.

View instructions on how to submit an acceptance deposit online.

2. Register for Orientation

All first-year and transfer students are required to attend an orientation program. At orientation, you will register for classes, meet new classmates, become familiar with campus, and begin your adventure as a new student.

Orientation is mandatory for all new students. An enrollment deposit is required to register. Please allow 48 hours after payment to register.

3. Apply for Financial Aid

Create a Federal Student Aid ID at fsaid.ed.gov.
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov. Salem State's school code is 002188.
We will notify you via email once we receive your FAFSA and if you are missing any documents. You can also check your Navigator account for "to do" items.
How to view/adjust my financial aid award

Watch this video from FAFSA about how to apply for aid.

Questions? Contact the Student Navigation Center at 978.542.8000 or navcenter@salemstate.edu.

4. Select Your First Year Seminar

All first year students (and transfer students with fewer than 15 credits) will take a first year seminar as part of their academic course load. This three-credit required seminar offers students an opportunity to study an interesting and engaging topic with one of Salem State University’s outstanding faculty members.

After you have registered for an orientation session, you will be directed to the first year seminar selection process in your Navigator account. Students should choose a first year seminar as soon as possible.

If you have questions, contact the first year experience office at 978.542.2618 or email firstyearseminar@salemstate.edu.

5. Log in to your SSU email

Once you have paid your enrollment deposit, you can access your SSU email. Access your Salem State email through Outlook in Office 365. Log in and use the same username and password as your Navigator account.

Email is the official method of communication at Salem State, therefore you are expected to check your account regularly.

Need help? Contact the IT help desk for assistance at 978.542.2036 or it-helpdesk@salemstate.edu.

6. Show Your Pride and Get Connected

Join the Class of 2024 Facebook group. Meet your classmates, ask questions and get connected! Transfer students, join the Transfer Connections Facebook group.

Follow Salem State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

7. Pay Your Bill

Salem State University offers many ways for students and families to pay for their education. Most people begin by applying for financial aid and confirming their award letter. If financial aid does not cover the entire cost of attending, the university has other options to help students pay their bill.

For information on estimating your bill, use the Estimate Your Undergraduate Tuition Worksheet.

Important: How to pay my bill