What Massachusetts State Tuition Waivers Can I Receive?

Salem State University participates in many Massachusetts State Tuition Waiver programs. Unless noted otherwise, these programs are need-based and are awarded based in part on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) 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:

• You must have a completed and valid FAFSA on file with Salem State
• Be a U.S. or non-citizen eligible for federal financial aid
• Comply with Selective Service Registration
• You must not be in default for any federal or state student loans for attendance at any institution or owe a refund for any previous financial aid received.
• Have not received a prior bachelor's degree, professional degree, or equivalent
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Demonstrate financial need as determined by the federal methodology need analysis

Department of Child and Families (DCF) Adopted Child Tuition Waiver and Fee Assistance Program

The DCF Adopted Child Tuition Waiver and Fee Assistance Program is designed to lessen the financial burden on adopting parents in the Commonwealth. This waiver extends eligibility to all children and young adults, age twenty-four or under, adopted through DCF by state employees or eligible Massachusetts residents, regardless of the date of adoption. Specific eligibility requirements are:

• Be twenty-four years of age or under at the start of the academic year
• Be in the custody of the DCF and have been adopted by an eligible Massachusetts state employee or an eligible Massachusetts resident through the DCF.
  • Eligible state employees shall include all full and part-time Massachusetts state government employees employed by the state for at least six months at the time of the adoption. Employees must work for the state at the time of the adoption and continue to be employed by the state for at least six months after the adoption.
  • Eligible Massachusetts residents shall include all individuals determined to be Massachusetts state residents at the time of adoption of the eligible student.
  • This waiver may be prorated or canceled based on the number of day course credit hours you are enrolled.

  Department of Child and Families (DCF) Foster Child Tuition Waiver and Fee Assistance Program

  The DCF Foster Child Tuition Waiver and Fee Assistance Program provides financial support for children in state custody who were neither adopted nor returned home. Students enrolled in day college courses may be eligible to receive a full tuition waiver. Specific eligibility requirements are:

  • Be twenty-four years of age or younger at the start of the academic year
  • Be a current or former foster child who is placed in the custody of the state through a Care and Protection Petition, or
  • Be a child whose guardianship was sponsored by DCF through the age of 18
  • Were in the custody of DCS for at least twelve months
  • This waiver is based on the day college tuition amount only. You must be enrolled in day college courses. Evening (Continuing Education) classes will not count towards your enrolled credit hours for purposes of this waiver.
    • This waiver may be prorated or canceled based on the number of day course credit hours you are enrolled.

    Massachusetts Tuition Waiver

    The Tuition Waiver Program was created in 1981 to offset tuition increases. A principle of the program is the belief that the benefits of higher education must be available to all citizens. An individual student tuition waiver for an award period may not exceed the actual campus tuition charge or, in combination with other resources in the student's financial aid package, exceed the student's demonstrated financial need. Additional eligibility requirements are:

    • This waiver is based on the day college tuition amount only. You must be enrolled in day college courses. Evening (Continuing Education) classes will not count towards your enrolled credit hours for purposes of this waiver.
      • This waiver may be prorated or canceled based on the number of day course credits you are enrolled in.

      Stanley Z. Koplick - Certificate of Mastery Tuition Waiver (Non-Need Based)

      A merit-based state-supported waiver awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Education recognizes high academic achievement. Specific eligibility requirements are:

      • Be a permanent Massachusetts resident
      • Be enrolled in a Massachusetts, public high school. Students who have graduated high school are not eligible to apply
      • Score "Advanced" on at least one grade 10 MCAS test subject, and score "Proficient" on the remaining sections of the grade 10 MCAS
      • Fulfill additional requirements through one of the following combinations covering both arts/humanities and mathematics/science:
        • 2 AP exams with scores of 3 or better;
        • 2 SAT II exams (Minimum score dependent upon the subject area. Scores are listed on the Koplik application);
        • 1 SAT II exam and 1 AP exam; or
        • 1 SAT II exam and one other achievement; or
        • 1 AP exam and one other achievement

        Application forms are available from the Koplik coordinator at your high school or contact Alexia Cribbs at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education at 781.338.3581 or via email at Koplik@doe.mass.edu. You may also contact the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance at 617.391.6070 to obtain more information.

        For additional regarding tuition and fees, please visit Salem State's Tuition and Fees page.