Salem State University participates in many Massachusetts State Grant programs. Unless noted otherwise, these programs are need-based and are awarded based in part on the Student Aid Index (SAI) determined by the information on your FAFSA. The U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula to determine your eligibility.
General eligibility requirements for Massachusetts State Grant, unless noted otherwise, are:
- Complete the FAFSA annually for consideration of assistance by any designated deadline, as may be determined by the Department of Higher Education (DHE) or an alternative application designated by the DHE.
- Be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for one year before the start of the academic year for which the grant is awarded.
- Be a U.S. or non-citizen eligible for federal financial aid
- Comply with financial aid verification requirements
- Must not be in default of any federal or state student loans for attendance at any institution or owe a refund for any previous financial aid received.
- Must be enrolled full-time (at least twelve credits or equivalent) in a bachelor's degree program.
- Must not have received a prior bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- Must be maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Must demonstrate financial need for tuition and fees after accounting for the Student Aid Index (SAI) and all forms for scholarship and grant aid.
Foster Child Grant
The Foster Child Grant provides up to $6,000 annually for foster children to help pay for an education beyond high school at any college or university throughout the continental United States. The grant recipient must have signed an agreement with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) for care and services beyond the age of 18.
Additional specific eligibility requirements include:
- Be placed in the custody of the Department of Children and Families through a Care and Protection Petition
- Be under the age of twenty-five at the start of the academic year,
- Have signed a voluntary agreement with the Department of Social Services establishing the terms and conditions of receiving such aid
- For additional information, please contact the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617) 937-6070.
MASSGrant
MASSGrant provides need-based financial assistance to undergraduate students who reside in Massachusetts. Students must be enrolled full-time, at least twelve credits per semester, and meet the SAI requirements to be eligible to receive this grant.
The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) will notify students of their eligibility. Students must return any requested forms to OSFA promptly; failure to do so could jeopardize the receipt of their award. Students must meet the State of Massachusetts' May 1 FAFSA deadline to be considered for this grant.
Please visit mass.edu for MASSGrant Award Terms and Conditions and additional information.
Salem State is not responsible for the estimated award for which payment has not been received.
MASSGrant Plus and MassGrant Plus Expansion
Under the MASSGrant Plus program, full-time students attending Massachusetts four-year public colleges and universities may be eligible for additional funding to help with the cost of tuition, fees, and books.
Please visit mass.edu for eligibility terms and additional program information.
Massachusetts Cash Grant
The Massachusetts Cash Grant helps needy students by awarding grant money to cover additional charges such as mandatory fees and non-state-supported tuition. Eligibility is determined by students' SAI and the availability of funds. Students do not need to be enrolled full-time to receive this grant, but the grant may be prorated or canceled based on the number of credits they are enrolled in.
Massachusetts Part-Time Grant
The Massachusetts Part-Time Grant is for degree-seeking (matriculated) students enrolled in at least six credit hours but fewer than twelve (six – 11.5 credits). Eligibility is determined by students' SAI and the availability of funds.
Massachusetts Public Service Grant (Non-Need Based)
The Massachusetts Public Service Grant was established for students who have experienced the loss of a parent and/or spouse killed or missing in the line of public service duty in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Public Service Grant Program is the only scholarship program not based on demonstrated financial need but instead on entitlement.
Please contact the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617) 727-9420 for more information regarding additional eligibility requirements and deadlines specific to this grant.
Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant Program (Non-Need Based)
The Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant Program provides financial assistance to Massachusetts residents currently employed as paraprofessionals in Massachusetts public schools who wish to become certified as full-time teachers. This grant is designed to reduce their financial burden and help address the Commonwealth's current teacher shortage. Recipients must file the FAFSA annually. Students must complete the Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant on the MASSAid Student Portal to apply.
Additional specific eligibility requirements are:
- Enroll in an undergraduate degree program (full-time or part-time) leading to teacher certification in a Massachusetts public college
- Be employed, for a minimum of two years, as a paraprofessional in a Massachusetts public school
- If employed as a paraprofessional for less than two years, a student may qualify for the grant only if the undergraduate course of study leads to teacher certification in the high-need disciplines of Math, Science, Special Education, foreign languages, or Bilingual Education.
- Recipients must sign a Terms and Conditions Statement requiring the student to serve as a full-time teacher in a Massachusetts public school. The commitment will range from a minimum of 2 years to a maximum of 4 years. Failure to provide the required service will result in a repayment of funds as defined in the agreement.