Massachusetts Tuition Equity Program
Undocumented, non-U.S. citizens may be eligible to pay the in-state tuition and fee rate at Salem State through the Massachusetts High School Completer Tuition Equity Program. The student must qualify for High School Completer Status.
High School Completer Status
To be eligible for High School Completer Status, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be an undocumented, non-U.S. citizen
- Attended a Massachusetts high school for at least three (3) years
- Graduated from a Massachusetts high school or earned the equivalent, such as a GED or HiSET in Massachusetts
- All males (citizen or non-citizen) ages 18-25 are required to register for the Selective Service System.
- Complete the Tuition Equity Eligibility Form and Affidavit for High School Completers
The Tuition Equity Eligibility Form and Affidavit for High School Completers
When completing the form, you declare the following:
- You are not a non-immigrant alien
- Attended at least 3 academic years of high school in Massachusetts
- Have graduated from a high school in Massachusetts or have attained the equivalent of a high school diploma (for example, a GED/HiSet) in Massachusetts
- If eligible, have registered for the federal Military Selective Service
- Have either:
- provided a valid Social Security Number; or
- provided documentation reflecting the issuance of an individual taxpayer identification number; or
- provided documentation of registration with the selective service, if applicable; or
- applied for citizenship or legal permanent residence or I will apply for citizenship or legal permanent residence in accordance with federal statute or federal regulations within 120 days of my eligibility for such status.
You must list the high school(s) you attended, the dates of attendance, and confirm if you have received a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Salem State's Reclassification Process
If you believe you meet the eligibility requirements for the Tuition Equity Program and would like to be reclassified as an in-state student to pay in-state tuition, please email your completed Tuition Equity Eligibility Form and Affidavit for High School Completers to navcenter@salemstate.edu for verification. The SNC team will process the document and contact you about changes to your student account and the next steps (if any).
Retroactive reclassifications for Massachusetts state financial aid decisions are limited to the beginning of the semester when final reclassification decisions are made.
Next Steps For Students
Incoming Students
Incoming students should apply to Salem State University through the Common App and select Undocumented.
After completing the Common App, submit the Tuition Equity Eligibility Form and Affidavit for High School Completers to the Student Navigation Center by email to navcenter@salemstate.edu for verification.
The SNC team will process the document and contact you about changes to your student account and the next steps (if any).
Currently Admitted and Enrolled Students
Submit the Tuition Equity Eligibility Form and Affidavit for High School Completers to the Student Navigation Center by email to navcenter@salemstate.edu for verification.
The SNC team will process the document and contact you about changes to your student account and the next steps (if any).
If you qualify for the Tuition Equity Program, any payments exceeding in-state tuition rates will be refunded for students enrolled in classes that started on or after July 1, 2023.
Students Who Attended But Did Not Graduate
Submit the Tuition Equity Eligibility Form and Affidavit for High School Completers to the Student Navigation Center by email to navcenter@salemstate.edu for verification.
The SNC team will process the document and contact you about changes to your student account and the next steps (if any).
Financial Aid Eligibility
Students who qualify as High School Completer status under the Tuition Equity Program can complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA).
To be eligible for Massachusetts State Financial Aid programs, you must also be physically living in Massachusetts for at least 12 months prior to the start of the academic year for which you are applying for financial aid.
Qualifying students must file a new MASFA every year they are enrolled in college to determine eligibility for financial aid.
Complete the MASFA if you meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Are ineligible or unable to complete the FAFSA and
- Are not present in the United States on a visa or immigration status within the meaning of 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(15)(A-S); and
- Attended three years of high school in Massachusetts and
- Earned a Massachusetts high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED, HiSet)
2026-2027 MASFA Information
- Massachusetts priority deadline to submit 26-27 MASFA: May 1, 2026
- Application open until June 30, 2027
- Academic School Year: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
- Eligible students must create an account on the new MASFA portal to access the application
- Review the 2026-2027 MASFA Guide and FAQ (PDF) for information on account setup and application requirements
- MASFA Portal for 2026-2027 application
2025-2026 MASFA Information
- The Massachusetts priority deadline to submit 25-26 MASFA was June 30, 2025
- Application open until June 30, 2026
- Academic School Year: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
- MASFA Portal for 2025-2026 application
Will Any Student Information Be Shared?
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1947 (FERPA), a student’s personally identifiable information is protected from being shared with third parties. This means the university generally cannot share any information considered an “education record” without your permission.
FERPA protections are, however, subject to some limited exemptions, such as information requested through a subpoena or court order. Another exemption includes information the university considers “directory information.” Learn more about the university’s FERPA policy.
In addition, institutions are expected to refrain from unnecessarily obtaining information about a student’s immigration or citizenship status unless necessary, and only to the extent needed to determine tuition and financial aid eligibility. Institutions also train all faculty and staff on privacy policies.