that helps pay for a student's educational expenses. Awards might be based on grades, financial needs, talents, or circumstances. They can come from several sources, including federal and state governments and institutional aid.
Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Salem State offers a combination of need-based (aid that solely takes into account a student's and their family's ability to pay for college), gift aid, and self-help aid.
Aid is divided into two categories, gift aid and self-help aid.
- Gift aid can be need-based or merit-based aid given to a student without the obligation of repayment; most grants, scholarships, and fall into this category.
- Self-help aid is either a award that must be earned through a job on campus or a that must be paid back.
Students must complete the to receive federal, state, and institutional grants, Federal Work-Study, and federal loans.
Students' eligibility for financial aid and the amount they can receive are determined by several factors, such as their , year in school, enrollment status, and
Students can estimate their eligibility for federal student aid and SAI with the on
Types of aid include:
- (institutional and outside/private)
- (federal, state, and private)
- Aid for veterans, active service members, and their families
- Tax benefits for higher education
For detailed information on the FAFSA, types of aid, and eligibility criteria, visit .
