Salem College is proud of its long tradition of providing assistance to students who wish to attend the College. The majority of financial aid is provided on the basis of the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Other programs of aid are based on North Carolina residency, competitive academic merit, and musical talent. Applications and filing deadlines differ from one program to another. The following information is provided to assist students in determining which programs of assistance are best suited for their circumstances.
Aid Based Upon Need
The purpose of need-based financial aid is to provide support to students who would be unable to attend Salem College without assistance. Educational expenses include tuition, mandatory fees, room, board, books, transportation, and personal/miscellaneous expenses. The amount the family is able to contribute is determined by an analysis of the information provided on the FAFSA.
Salem is committed to partnering with students and their families in financing their college education. To that end, Salem College provides need-based and merit-based aid to supplement the funds that families can provide. Ordinarily, each student’s financial aid package may consist of funds from several sources including scholarships and/or grants, student loan eligibility, and an on-campus work opportunity. A student may reject any portion of the award. However, the College makes no attempt to replace rejected funds with aid from another source. The majority of students receive a combination of need- and non-need-based aid funds; in such cases, all of the funds are governed by the rules concerning the need-based programs.
Funds are available through the College’s participation in federal and state aid programs and through institutional funds set aside each year specifically earmarked for financial aid. Institutional awards are made from funds available to the College through endowment gifts from friends and alumnae, the Southern Province of the Moravian Church, and private foundations.
Applying For Need-Based Financial Aid
- Prospective students should submit an application for admission and be accepted to the College.
- In order to receive priority processing for financial aid, prospective students should file the FAFSA between October 1 and February 1. Returning students should complete a renewal FAFSA after October 1. The FAFSA may be completed at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
- Students selected for verification will be referred to a third party processor, Inceptia (Verification Gateway) to complete the verification process. Selected students must respond to requests for documents by Inceptia. They must complete a Verification Worksheet that pertains to them and their FAFSA. This document collects updated information and is compared to the data submitted on the FAFSA. Often additional supporting documents are required. Dependent students must obtain their parents’ signature. Independent students may obtain their spouse’s signature if applicable. An Aid Administrator may request verification materials to resolve conflicting documentation even if the student was not selected for Federal verification.
Application Deadlines
New Students: Applications for financial aid are accepted as long as funds are available. However, in order to receive early consideration for notification of awards, a student should complete all forms as soon as possible.
Returning Students: Financial aid applications should be completed by February 1 in order to receive priority processing.
Notification of Award
Official aid offers are made after a student is admitted to the College and the results of the FAFSA are reviewed, usually beginning in December. Returning students will receive notification of their financial aid award after June 1. Any other financial aid award or other resources which the student receives must be reported in writing to the Financial Aid Office as soon as such awards are made. Awards from outside resources may result in an adjustment of the financial aid package.
Award Renewal
The FAFSA must be submitted each academic year. In addition, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as described in the section below. Students may have a maximum of four years of full-time study or an equivalent number of years of part-time study considered for aid eligibility. An appeal may be made for an exception to these standards by submitting a letter to the director of financial aid.
Special Circumstances
At Salem College we recognize that, due to extenuating circumstances, the FAFSA may not always accurately reflect your financial situation and/or dependency status. The U.S. Department of Education permits financial aid administrators to exercise Professional Judgment, and possibly give additional consideration, to those students and their families experiencing certain limited specific situations as described below.
Special Circumstances refer to the financial situations that justify an aid administrator adjusting data elements in the Cost of Attendance or in the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) calculation on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Unusual Circumstances refer to the conditions that justify an aid administrator making an adjustment to a student’s dependency status based on a unique situation, more commonly referred to as a dependency.
A student may have both a special circumstance and an unusual circumstance. Financial aid administrators may make adjustments that are appropriate to each student’s situation with appropriate documentation.
Please note that if a student already has a 0 EFC, there is no need to request a “second look” of FAFSA data. This is because a student with a 0 EFC is already receiving the maximum amount of financial aid available. Additionally, there is no need-based financial aid currently available for graduate students. Graduate students at Salem College are only eligible for unsubsidized federal Direct Loans. Therefore, a Professional Judgment request will not benefit a graduate student by providing need-based grant funding.
Special Circumstance: Professional Judgment Request
Professional Judgment based on Special Circumstance can be requested after the student receives their initial award notification for the current aid year. Before the special circumstances can be considered, the college will verify the accuracy of the information that the student provided on their current FAFSA through the federal verification process. Salem College utilizes Inceptia, Inc. (Verification Gateway) to complete verification. Salem will manually select the student for verification and Inceptia will send a “welcome e-mail” to the email address the student listed on their current FAFSA. The email will list the necessary documentation that both the student and parent are required to submit to Inceptia in order to complete the federal verification process. Inceptia will notify the college once the verification process is complete. Upon their notification, the Assistant Vice President for Financial Aid will review the Professional Judgement request.
After reviewing your special circumstance documentation, your financial aid package may remain the same, be increased, or reduced according to the financial information that has been submitted. Submitting a special circumstance request does not guarantee an adjustment will be made to your aid package.
Decisions are final and will be communicated directly to the student. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office to see if your situation can be considered. If approved, any additional funding awarded is only available for the academic school year for which the special circumstance is approved. Special circumstances must be reviewed annually. Please do not submit documents unless instructed by our office.
Examples of Special Circumstances Considered
Loss or reduction of income (layoff, illness, forced reduction of hours, temporary employment, etc.) Medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance (and that exceed 11% of the AGI reported on current FAFSA)
- Death, divorce, or separation of parents or spouse
- Non-recurring payments receiving during the FAFSA tax year that will not be repeated
- Loss of benefits, such as unemployment, disability, social security, veterans, child support, or alimony
- Private elementary and secondary tuition for siblings, not including the Salem College applicant
Examples of Special Circumstances NOT Considered
- Parent refuses to provide financial support for higher education
- Parent refuses to complete or sign FAFSA
- Increase of standard living expenses
- Purchasing material items such as a car, home appliances, vacations, second homes, etc.
- Reduction of assets. Changes in assets will be reflected on the following year’s FAFSA. Credit issues, line of credit changes, previous student loan debt, etc.
- Medical bills paid by health insurance or that will be reimbursed by health care coverage.
- Siblings or parents who are also attending college. Siblings are already taken into account on the FAFSA. Students cannot list their parents in the number in college.
Submitting Your Request for the Consideration of Special Circumstances
The Professional Judgment Application is available by request only. If you feel you have a special circumstance, contact the Financial Aid Office for further guidance. The College will review all Professional Judgment requests as quickly as practicable. Per federal regulations, Salem cannot process a Professional Judgment that was submitted after the student is no longer enrolled for the period of enrollment; or was submitted before the end of the period of enrollment but processed by Salem after the end of the period of enrollment.
Unusual Circumstances: Professional Judgment Request
Unusual circumstances may be considered for a dependency override after you file your FAFSA and before receiving your initial award notification for the current aid year. After reviewing your unusual circumstance documentation, your aid package may remain the same, be increased, or reduced according to the information that has been submitted. A dependency override does not guarantee an adjustment will be made to your aid package.
Decisions are final and will be communicated directly to the student. Please do not submit documents unless instructed by our office.
Examples of Unusual Circumstances Considered
- Abusive/unsafe family environment
- Parental abandonment or incarceration
- Both parents became deceased after filing the FAFSA
- Parents cannot be located Parents are incapacitated
- Victims of human trafficking
- Refugee or asylee status
Examples of Unusual Circumstances NOT Considered
- Parents refusal to contribute to financing the student’s education
- Parents do not claim you as a dependent on their tax return
- Parents are unwilling to provide information on the application or verification documentation
- Student is no longer living with parents/demonstrates self-sufficiency (unless due to one of the unusual circumstances listed in the section above)
Submitting Your Request for the Consideration of Unusual Circumstances
If you believe you have an unusual circumstance that impacts your dependency status, please contact the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible after submitting your FAFSA. The College will review all requests for a dependency override as quickly as practicable. Per federal regulations, Salem cannot process a dependency override that was submitted after the student is no longer enrolled for the period of enrollment; or was submitted before the end of the period of enrollment, but processed after the end of the period of enrollment.
Renewal Applicants
Renewal Applicants must still affirm that their previous answers to the dependency questions are correct and applicable prior to submitting their FAFSA form. Please contact the Financial Aid Office to obtain the necessary renewal application.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
The federal and state governments require each educational institution to define standards of progress for students seeking financial aid. All students who wish to qualify for financial aid while attending Salem College will be assessed on the following criteria at the end of each semester, including summer:
- Minimum grade point average
- Minimum semester course/credit hour completion rate
- Has not exceeded 150% of required semesters/credit hours
- Completion of a degree within a maximum number of courses/credit hours
These standards are applied uniformly to all Salem College financial aid applicants. If a student meets these standards, they are eligible to be considered for financial aid. If the student does not meet these standards, they will not be eligible to receive financial aid. Procedures for re-establishing financial aid eligibility are described in this policy.
Financial aid is defined as all federal, state and institutional programs (except as otherwise noted). In this policy, “eligible for financial aid” means that a student meets the standards of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for financial aid. A student must also meet all other financial aid requirements in order to receive financial aid.
Minimum Grade Point Average
Undergraduate students’ cumulative and semester GPA must meet standards established by the Salem College Academic Catalog. If your cumulative GPA falls below the minimum standard, you will be placed on Financial Aid Warning for the next semester. If you continue to not meet the GPA standard, you will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension and must submit an appeal. Financial aid will be canceled immediately for any student who is academically excluded.
| Class |
Required GPA |
| Freshman (0-22.99 semester hours) |
1.500 |
| Sophomore (23-56.99 semester hours) |
1.900 |
| Junior (57-86.99 semester hours) |
2.000 |
| Senior (87 and above semester hours) |
2.000 |
| Graduate Students |
3.000 |
| Certificate Students |
2.000 |
Minimum Semester Hour Completion Rate Requirement
At the end of each academic semester (including summer) a student (undergraduate or graduate) must earn a minimum of 67% of the semester hours for which they were registered as of the end of drop/add. Drop/add is usually five days into the semester; please check the course schedule for specific dates. Students must also complete 67% of their cumulative attempted hours. This completion requirement measures both semester and cumulative semester hours and is referred to as pace. Pace defines the rate at which a student must progress to ensure educational program completion within the maximum timeframe.
number of semester hours attempted x 67% = number of semester hours successfully completed.
Example:
For the semester, if a student has a total of 12 semester hours at the end of drop/add, then the student would have to complete at least 8 semester hours to remain eligible for further financial aid (12 x .67 = 8).
Cumulatively, if a student has attempted 100 semester hours, then the student must have cumulatively completed at least 67 semester hours to remain eligible for further financial aid (100 x .67 = 67).
Completion of a Degree Within a Maximum Number of Courses/Credit Hours
Students are eligible to receive financial aid for a maximum of 150% semester hours required for the degree. The length of an undergraduate program at Salem College is 120 semester hours. For undergraduate students, 150% of the required 120 semester hours is 180 semester hours. If you have earned more than 180 semester hours, you will no longer be eligible for federal, state, or institutional financial aid.
Certificate students may receive financial aid for a maximum of 150% of the hours required for the degree. If a student reaches the 120% time frame, federal and state financial aid will be suspended until the school is able to determine that the student can graduate within the 150% time frame. If it is determined the student cannot complete the requirements within the 150% time frame, the student will be ineligible for financial aid. If a student changes their major, the credits and grades that do not count toward the new major will not be included in the Satisfactory Academic Progress determination.
You are meeting the Completion Rate Requirement if: overall earned semester/credit hours < = 150% of semester/credit hours required for the degree
General Information
Grades of F, W, NC (no credit), or I are not acceptable for SAP.
Failure to Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
The Financial Aid Office will notify students of their failure to meet the standards of this policy. Each student is responsible for knowing their own status, whether or not they receive this notification. If a student is not making SAP, they will be placed on Financial Aid Warning for the following semester. Students who fail to meet the minimum requirements at the end of the Financial Aid Warning semester will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension. At that time, they will lose eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid until such time that the minimum SAP requirements have been met. All students placed on Financial Aid Suspension as a result of the failure to meet these SAP standards have the right to appeal.
- Financial Aid Warning is a warning that the student has failed to meet the minimum SAP requirements. The student has one (1) semester, including summer, to meet the minimum SAP requirements. Students will be notified by the Financial Aid Office if they are placed on Financial Aid Warning. Students may receive federal, state, and institutional funds during their warning period. However, students who fail to meet the minimum SAP requirements at the end of the warning period will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension.
- Financial Aid Suspension is when a student fails to meet the SAP requirements after their warning period. Students will not receive federal, state, or institutional funds during their suspension period until they submit all documentation for their appeal, and it is approved.
- Financial Aid Probation: If the SAP Appeal Committee approves the student’s appeal, the student will be placed on academic probation which will allow one term of financial aid.
Note: Students may receive a maximum of three Financial Aid Suspensions during their academic career at Salem College. After the second suspension, students are required to meet with the SAP Appeal Committee in order to review and agree to the terms of the third suspension. If the agreed upon terms are not met, the student will no longer be eligible for federal, state, or institutional aid at Salem College.
Please refer to the Salem College SAP appeal process. You can find this policy on the Salem College Financial Aid website: https://www.salem.edu/financial-aid/sap .
Re-establishing Financial Aid Eligibility
Students who fail to meet the standards of this policy may re-establish their financial aid eligibility at Salem College in one of two ways:
- The student can earn the number of semester hours for which they are deficient or improve their GPA without financial aid. These hours may be earned at Salem, or, they may be earned at another institution and transferred to Salem for any term after the deficiency occurs. Students should get prior approval from the Registrar’s Office to ensure that courses taken at another institution will be accepted. After the deficiency is resolved, the student must submit a written appeal requesting the Financial Aid Office to review their eligibility to receive financial aid.
- If there were circumstances beyond the student’s control that prohibited the student from keeping the standards of this policy, and those circumstances are now resolved, the student may submit a written appeal to the Financial Aid Office, according to the SAP appeal calendar.
SAP Appeal Calendar
SAP appeals and documentation MUST be received no later than one week before the first day of class of the semester the student wishes to attend. Appeals received after 5:00 p.m. on the before mentioned date will not be accepted.
SAP Appeal Process
Salem College students who have had financial aid suspended due to unsatisfactory progress may appeal. Students may obtain a Salem College SAP Appeal Application from the Financial Aid Office or at https://www.salem.edu/financial-aid/sap. The appeal documents should be based on one of the following categories:
- Death in the immediate family or relative
- Illness/injury or medical condition
- Extenuating/mitigating circumstances
Appeals must include a detailed description of the extenuating circumstances that occurred during the semester in which the student failed to meet this policy. The appeal must also include all necessary documentation to support the existence of the circumstances described and evidence that the circumstances have been resolved. Students are encouraged to contact Ida Turner Davis, Director of Academic Support, at (336) 721-2822 to develop an Academic Plan. This may be submitted with your appeal.
Students will be notified in writing of the decision of the SAP Appeal Committee within two weeks of all documentation being received. (Please note that students are responsible for any charges incurred until the appeal committee has rendered a decision.) Appeals may be approved or denied.
- Approved appeals - A student whose appeal is approved will be placed on academic probation, and receive one semester of financial aid.
- Denied appeals - If an appeal is denied, the student is not eligible for federal, state, or institutional financial aid. The student may submit a second appeal to the SAP Appeal Committee. Once the appeal has been reviewed by the Committee, notification will be sent to the student along with any other options available. If an appeal is denied a second time, the student is only eligible for private/alternative loans, or take courses at their own expense until they meet the minimum SAP requirements.
Students seeking to re-establish financial aid eligibility remain ineligible to receive financial aid assistance until the appeal process is complete and a decision has been made by the SAP Appeal Committee. Students should be prepared to pay tuition, fees, and other educational expenses until they have been approved to receive financial aid.
For further details, please visit the Salem College Financial Aid Office web page: http://www.Salem.edu/financial-aid
Return of Title IV Funds Policy
If a student finds it necessary to withdraw from all classes during a semester, they may be eligible to receive a refund of tuition based upon the timing of the withdrawal.
Official Withdrawal
Students who wish to withdraw from Salem College are required to meet with the Dean of Undergraduate Studies and graduate students meet with the Director of Graduate Studies and complete a written form. If the student withdraws from the College, their grades in those courses are governed by the published deadlines.
Unofficial Withdrawal
A student who leaves Salem College or stops attending courses without officially withdrawing will be administratively withdrawn and will receive a grade of WF (or NC, for courses graded P/NC) for those courses. The date of withdrawal is the midpoint (50%) of the semester. The student will be financially responsible for the payment of all tuition and fees and will be responsible for the repayment of federal financial aid, if applicable.
Determining Aid Earned
If a student withdraws from Salem College, then the school, or the student, or both may be required to return some or all of the federal funds awarded to the student for that semester. The federal government requires a return of Title IV federal aid that was received if the student withdrew on or before completing 60% of the semester. Federal funds, for the purposes of this federal regulation, include Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Subsidized Stafford Loans, and Parent PLUS Loans. The formula used in this federal “return of funds” calculation divides the aid received into earned aid and unearned aid.
A student “earns” financial aid in proportion to the time they are enrolled up to the 60% point. The percentage of federal aid to be returned (unearned aid) is equal to the number of calendar days remaining in the semester when the withdrawal takes place divided by the total number of calendar days in the semester. For example, if a student was enrolled for 20% of the semester before completely withdrawing, 80% of federal financial aid must be returned to the aid programs. If a student stays through 50% of the semester, 50% of federal financial aid must be returned.
For a student who withdraws after the 60% point-in-time, there is no unearned aid. However, the school must still complete a return calculation in order to determine whether the student is eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement.
Return of Title IV Federal Financial Aid
The school satisfies its responsibility by repaying funds in the student’s package in the following order:
- Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
- Subsidized Stafford Loan
- Parent PLUS Loan
- Pell Grant
- FSEOG
- Other Title IV Grant Funds
Keep in mind that when Title IV funds are returned, the student borrower may owe a balance to the institution and/or the U.S. Department of Education. If a student fails to repay federal funds, they may be ineligible for future federal financial aid.
Return of State Funds
Please be aware the State requires that Salem College perform a return calculation based on your withdrawal date for any state grant funds received. Therefore, a portion of your state grant may be returned as a result of your withdrawal.
Bookstore Vouchers
The Financial Aid Office will prepare book vouchers for all eligible students who have a credit balance on their Salem account, to assist with the purchase of books and school supplies. To be eligible to receive a book voucher for fall and/or spring term, students must:
- be registered for at least 6 semester hours, and have completed the FAFSA form and all other documents required by the Financial Aid Office
- be eligible for financial aid
- be scheduled for a refund
Note: Summer terms are excluded from the bookstore voucher policy.
Book vouchers can be used electronically only in the Salem College bookstore one week prior to the first day of class through the end of drop/add for each term. A student who has a credit balance on their Salem College account and is eligible to receive a refund should complete the online request form if they are interested in receiving a book voucher.
The online request form will be available two weeks before the first day of the fall and spring semesters at www.salem.edu/financial aid.
Need-Based Programs
Grants/Scholarships
Federal Pell Grant - A federal program for low-income families. All applicants must apply for Pell by completing the FAFSA. Eligibility is calculated by the federal government and the results are sent directly to the student. Federal Pell Grants are available to full-time, part-time, and less than half-time students.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) - A federal grant administered by the College available to students with high need.
North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship (NBS) - A state program available to North Carolina residents, who demonstrate need that is defined by the North Carolina General Assembly.
Salem College Promise - a need-based program that uses multiple need-based scholarships and grant funds to award full tuition and fees to Pell-eligible, North Carolina students. Federal, state, and institutional funds are used to produce the total award amount. No application is required beyond the FAFSA. Recipients are awarded by the Financial Aid Office based on their FAFSA and confirmed NC residency. Renewable as long as the student continues to meet eligibility requirements.
Salem Grant Funds - A large variety of scholarships are available to full-time students with financial need. Some contain restrictions on eligibility. Applicants do not need to apply for specifically named scholarships; the assistant vice president for financial aid assigns the restricted funds to aid recipients. A complete listing of Salem funds is in the Salem Scholarship Funds section.
Residents of Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia should apply to their state grant programs as these funds can be used at institutions in North Carolina.
Loans
Federal Direct Student Loan - A federally insured loan, administered by the federal government, for students enrolled at least half-time in an approved degree or certificate program. A student may borrow up to $5,500 for first year (no more than $3,500 of which may be subsidized); $6,500 for sophomore year (no more than $4,500 of which may be subsidized); and $7,500 annually for each of the last two years of undergraduate study (no more than $5,500 of which may be subsidized). The loan proceeds are reduced by origination fees at the time of disbursement. The interest rate is fixed annually with a cap of 8.25 percent. For some students who qualify on a need basis, interest is paid (subsidized) by the federal government during in-school and grace periods. Federal regulations limit subsidized loan borrowing to 150% of the published length of the program (i.e., 6 years for the standard 4-year undergraduate program). If a student reaches 150%, they will only be eligible for unsubsidized loans and lose their interest subsidy. Those who do not qualify on a need basis will be required to pay or capitalize their interest during in-school and grace periods (unsubsidized). In addition, independent students and dependent students whose parents are denied a Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) may be eligible for additional unsubsidized loan funds. For information on PLUS, see the section on loans in the “Aid without Regard to Need” portion of the catalog.
Work Programs
Federal Work-Study Program A federally-funded program which allows eligible students to work on campus for minimum wage.
Institutional Work-Study Program A Salem-funded program identical to the federally funded program.
Many financial aid awards include a work offer involving 7.5 hours per week.
Aid Without Regard To Need
There are financial assistance programs which are available to Salem students regardless of the student’s financial resources. Some of these are provided by the College and others are provided by outside agencies.
Merit Scholarships
Salem Scholars - four-year, full tuition Salem Scholar awards are offered to several students each year who have an interest in becoming leaders in health, have demonstrated leadership in their studies and other activities, and whose cumulative weighted GPA is at least 3.8. The award also includes one semester of health-focused study abroad or study away. Salem Scholars will also have additional activities as a cohort. Recipients must be full-time resident students and must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA in their academic studies for renewal of the award.
Elberson Scholarship - The Robert E. Elberson Scholarship is a four-year scholarship that includes full tuition, housing, and food, and a semester of study abroad at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England. Recipients must be full-time resident students and must maintain a cumulative 3.0 G.P.A. in their academic studies for renewal of the award.
Lucy Hanes Chatham Awards - A full-tuition scholarship renewable for four years given to two incoming first-year students in recognition of academic achievement, leadership, service and physical vigor. Recipients must be full-time resident students and must maintain a cumulative 3.0 G.P.A. in their academic studies for renewal of the award.
Constance Kick Scholarship - A full scholarship that includes full tuition, room and board, awarded to one entering first-year student who plans to major in science (Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Exercise Science Health Sciences, Public Health, or Psychological Science). Recipients must be full-time resident students and must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
Dr. John Preston Davis Art Scholarship- a full-tuition scholarship awarded to an incoming student majoring in Studio Art, Interior Design, or Art History. Interested students should contact the Admissions Office. Application deadline is January 15 prior to enrolling the following fall. Renewable annually with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Music Scholarships- Salem offers a number of music scholarships in varying amounts. If you are planning a concentration in music or taking extensive performance classes in any number of music disciplines, contact the Admissions Office for details and contact information to apply for these funds.
Other Merit Scholarships -the Admissions Office awards a number of additional merit-based scholarships, in various amounts, to incoming first-year and transfer students based on academic performance as demonstrated in the high school transcript and admissions application. Qualified students who meet the requirements for admission to Salem are automatically considered for merit scholarships, and no separate application is necessary. Most merit scholarships are four-year awards. In 2024-25, these included tiers of merit awards named Trustee, Presidential, Arbor, Founders, and Spirit scholarships, as well as Dean’s Scholarships for transfer students, each based on merit.
Additional Merit and Need-Based Scholarships
The Aldridge Scholarship - This scholarship is available to students who merit financial support. Preference will be given to African American and minority nontraditional age undergraduate
lt learners. No previous Salem College coursework is required.
Anne D. Pierce and Mary Bryan Pierce Smith Scholarship - This scholarship honors Anne D. Pierce and Mary Bryan Pierce Smith, C’89 and is awarded to a female student. The applicant must represent Salem College sisterhood and be currently enrolled in two or more Salem College courses. In addition, the applicant must have completed at least four Salem College classes and have a 3.2 GPA in coursework completed at Salem College.
Martha Hinkle Fleer Scholarship - This scholarship supports nontraditional age undergraduate students who have financial need and meet the requirements for satisfactory academic standing.
Patricia Ann Etheridge Scholarship - The Patricia Ann Etheridge Scholarship is a full tuition scholarship awarded to one full-time An nontraditional age undergraduate student taking up to 24 semester hours who has declared their major of either Religion, Philosophy, History, or English with the preference being Religion. The scholarship is awarded to the same student each year until graduation, as long as their student status stays within the scholarship parameters.
Patricia McAleer Scholarship - This scholarship was created by a nontraditional age undergraduate education student, Patricia McAleer, and is available to students who merit financial support based on their applications and previous educational endeavors. Preference will be given to single mothers over the age of 25. No previous Salem College coursework is required.
Robert E. Elberson Scholarship for Female Nontraditional Age Undergraduate Student - This scholarship was created by Robert E. Elberson, a member of the Salem Academy and College Board of Trustees. It will be awarded to need- and/or merit-based Salem College students.
Shirley D. Shouse Scholarship - This scholarship was established by Robert Elberson, a member of the Salem Academy and College Board of Trustees, in honor of his friend Shirley D. Shouse, a nontraditional age undergraduate student in the class of 2001. Preference will be given to students majoring in religion. Applicants must have taken at least one class at Salem College.
Winston-Salem Women’s Club Scholarship - This scholarship was created by the Women’s Club and is awarded to a female student. The recipient of this scholarship is awarded funding each semester until the undergraduate degree is completed. The student can attend full-time or part-time. The scholarship is awarded to the same student each year until graduation, as long as the student status stays within the scholarship parameters.
Cherokee Women’s Memorial Scholarship - The funds for this scholarship, pledged by Anna McCoy Smith C’98, Salem alumna, and former member of the Board of Trustees, The money for this award was established to honor the Cherokee students who attended Salem Female Academy in the 1800s and is awarded to nontraditional age undergraduate students to support their education.
Other Financial Aid Policies
Tuition Exchange
Salem College is a member of both Tuition Exchange, Inc. and CIC Tuition Exchange which allows dependents of employees of participating educational institutions to receive tuition remission. Prospective applicants should contact the tuition exchange liaison officer at their parents’ schools for further information. Salem’s tuition exchange scholarships may be used only for study on the Salem College campus and is only applicable to tuition. Information on Tuition Exchange may be found at https://www.tuitionexchange.org/.
Information on CIC Tuition Exchange may be found at https://www.cic.edu/member-services/tuition-exchange-program.
Loans
Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) - This is a federal loan program for parents of dependent students. Parents may borrow up to the total cost of education minus any financial assistance the student is eligible to receive. The loan proceeds may be reduced by origination fees. The interest rate is fixed annually with a 8.25 percent cap. Repayment begins immediately after disbursement of the funds.
Veterans Benefits
Salem is approved to enroll eligible students who qualify for veterans benefits. To receive education benefits, a veteran or a veteran’s dependent must apply to the Veterans Administration to receive a Certificate of Eligibility. (A Certificate of Eligibility does not constitute admission to Salem College. Applications for admission must be submitted to the College separately.) Students must notify the Office of the Registrar if they expect to receive veteran’s benefits. Upon enrollment at Salem, the veteran or veteran’s dependent should present the Certificate of Eligibility to the Office of the Registrar in Lehman Hall.
The Office of the Registrar will file the necessary documentation with the Veterans Administration to certify the student’s enrollment at Salem. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Registrar if they have dropped or withdrawn from a course. Please be aware that Salem College is obligated to notify the Veterans Administration of any change to the student’s certification status, such as a student’s withdrawal from a course or a student’s failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward the degree. Additional general information about various educational benefit programs for veterans and their dependents can be found at www.gibill.va.gov.
Installment Payment Plans
For families or individuals who wish to make payments over a longer period of time, there is a short-term payment plan offered by the College and there are several long-term payment plans offered by private companies. Details of these plans may be obtained from the companies directly or from the Business Office at (336) 721-2613.
Financial Aid and Study Abroad Programs
Salem College supports study abroad programs as an important component in the educational process. To that end, Salem has joined with the following programs to offer study abroad opportunities:
- AIFS: American Institute for Foreign Study (Africa, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Europe, South America, Multi-Country)
- CEA: Cultural Experiences Abroad (Africa, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Europe, South America, Multi-Country)
- CIS Abroad (Africa, Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, South America, Multi-Country)
- Harlaxton College of Evansville University (Grantham, England)
- Hollins University (Paris, France & London, England)
- Meredith College (Sansepolcro, Italy)
- St. Peter’s College Summer School at Magdalen College (Oxford, England)
If a student wishes to participate in one of the approved programs, they must work with the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, who determines whether and how the credits will transfer to Salem, and with the Director of the Center for Global Leadership and Career Innovation, who determines whether the intended location can be approved for safety reasons.
Federal regulations allow schools to apply aid to study abroad programs affiliated with their schools. The above study abroad programs have entered into articulation agreements with Salem College and are, therefore, eligible. No further consortium agreement is needed since the student will receive grade credit at Salem for coursework completed through the above programs. Financial aid that can be applied to program costs are one semester’s worth of: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Student Loans, Federal PLUS Loans, North Carolina Need Based Scholarship, the Lucy Hanes Chatham Scholarship (if applicable), the Salem Scholars Award Scholarship, and the Robert E. Elberson Scholarship (if applicable). Ivy May Hixson Scholarships may be awarded by the Dean of the College to help with travel costs but are not always available. No other types of Federal, state, or institutional aid are available for study abroad. The student is responsible for all other costs and may wish to apply for alternative loan funding. Students may seek private/alternative loans through the internet. (for more information regarding the St. Peter’s College Summer School at Magdalen College, see the end of the document)
Charges for the above study abroad programs will be handled through the Salem College Business Office. The Business Office will post eligible charges to the student account and apply appropriate financial aid funds to the outstanding charges. The Business Office will make the appropriate arrangements for payment to be made to the above study abroad programs on the student’s behalf. Salem will bill the student for outstanding balances according to current school policy.
Study Abroad Programs Unaffiliated with Salem College
Students must consult with the Dean of Undergraduate Studies to work out details for a study leave of absence to assure the appropriate credits will transfer back to Salem. Students are responsible for all charges in these cases. Once the Dean of Undergraduate Studies approves the unaffiliated study abroad program, the student must request a Consortium/Contractual Agreement from the Assistant Vice President for Financial Aid. Upon approval from Salem College and the unaffiliated study abroad program, the student will become eligible for one semester’s worth of: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Student Loans, and Federal PLUS Loans. No other types of Federal, state, or institutional aid are available for unaffiliated study abroad programs.
The process for pursuing and approving a Consortium Contractual Agreement, described below, is time-consuming. Students are advised to begin the process well in advance of their intended travel. Please note that steps below must be completed no less than ten days before the start of the student’s enrollment.
The procedures for requesting a Consortium/Contractual Agreement:
The student contacts the Director of the Center for Global Leadership and Career Innovation and the Dean of Undergraduate Studies regarding the unaffiliated study abroad program. The Dean of Undergraduate Studies determines if the appropriate credits will transfer back to Salem and whether the student should pursue a Contractual/Consortium Agreement, and the Director of the Center for Global Leadership and Career Innovation determines whether the location and program can be approved for safety reasons.
Upon approval, the student schedules an appointment with the Assistant Vice President for Financial Aid The student meets with the Assistant Vice President for Financial Aid to review the Contractual/Consortium Agreement and process. The College must have a valid FAFSA for the academic year that the student plans to study abroad.
The student completes the “Student Information,” and “Student Agrees To:” sections of the agreement. The student meets with the Dean of Undergraduate Studies to complete the “Transfer Credit Pre-Approval” of the agreement. Upon approval, the Dean signs the section.
- The student returns the agreement to the Assistant Vice President for Financial Aid and completes the “Anticipated Federal Aid,” and “Salem Agrees To:” sections. The student then faxes/emails the form to the “Host” (unaffiliated) school.
- Host school completes the “Enrollment Information,” and “Host Institution Agrees To:” sections of the agreement. The host school then faxes/emails the agreement back to Salem.
- The Assistant Vice President reviews and, upon approval, signs the agreement. A copy of the executed Contractual/Consortium Agreement is faxed/emailed to the “Host” school.
- The Assistant Vice President for Financial Aid enters all applicable federal aid in PowerFaids.
- The Assistant Vice President for Financial Aid provides copies of the executed agreements to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies and the Accounts Receivable Manager.
- Host school MUST return the completed “Verification of Enrollment” section of the agreement to the Assistant Vice President for Financial Aid, via fax or email, no later than ten days before the start date of enrollment.
- If enrollment is verified, the Assistant Vice President for Financial Aid will notify the Accounts Receivable Manager.
- Salem will receive the federal funds within ten days of the start of the semester.
- The Accounts Receivable Manager will disburse federal funds to the student.
- The student is responsible for paying Host school.
Not all host schools are willing or able to enter into a Consortium/Contractual Agreement; if a host school does not, the student must find another way to pay for the program. The student should inquire at the host school’s financial aid office as to what other forms and information may be needed.
Travel Policy for Chatham Scholars
Salem College allows recipients of the Lucy Hanes Chatham Scholarship to use one semester’s worth of their scholarship to study abroad while they attend Salem. The value of the semester amount cannot exceed Salem’s current tuition charges.
Travel Policy for Elberson
The Robert E. Elberson Scholarship is for a semester of study abroad at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England. The scholarship will cover a semester’s worth of tuition, fees, room and board; however, it will not exceed the equivalent of Salem’s charges. Recipients must be full-time residents and must maintain a cumulative 3.0 G.P.A. in their academic studies.
St Peter’s College Summer School at Magdalen College (Oxford England)
Those students attending the St. Peter’s College Summer School at Magdalen College may have remaining eligibility for one semester’s worth of: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Student Loans, and Federal PLUS Loans. No other types of Federal, state, or institutional aid are available for this summer program. Students MUST complete the Summer Financial Aid Application to determine their eligibility for federal aid. If it is determined that the student does have remaining eligibility, they must also be enrolled at least half-time in the summer program to receive federal loans. Students are responsible for all other costs and may wish to apply for alternative loan funding. Private/alternative loans can be researched through the internet.
Please contact the Salem College Financial Aid Office at (336) 721-2808 if you have further questions about this policy. Questions regarding billing can be addressed to the Business Office at (336) 917-5473.
Students Enrolled Less than Full-Time
Student Enrollment Status:
| Semester Hours |
Enrollment Status |
| 12+ |
Full-Time |
| 9-11 |
3/4-Time |
| 6-8 |
Half-Time |
| 1-5 |
>Half-Time |
Financial Aid Eligibility: Students Enrolled Less Than Full-Time
NC Residents
Students who are NC residents and are enrolled part-time or 3/4-time may be eligible for federal and state aid only. Institutional financial aid is available on a prorated basis to part-time students.
Out of State Residents
Students who are out of state residents may be eligible for federal aid only. Institutional financial aid is available on a prorated basis to part-time students.
Important:
Federal and state regulations require that students meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to receive financial aid:
- Must be enrolled in 6 to 11 semester hours.
- Must be actively seeking a degree
- Must file a valid FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal and state aid
- North Carolina Residents: In addition to the above requirements, must verify North Carolina residency through the State’s Residency Determination Service (RDS) website in order to be considered for state aid.
Cost of Attendance
In order to offer financial aid, a college must first establish a cost of attendance. Based on the cost of attendance and your expected family contribution (EFC), as determined by the information you provided on the FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office processes aid packages to continuing and admitted students.
Financial aid packages are based on a cost of attendance that is constructed based on several components as designated by federal regulations. The cost of attendance includes “Direct Costs” for expenses that are paid to Salem College directly, such as tuition, mandatory fees, food, and housing. It also includes “Indirect Costs” for expenses that are not invoiced by Salem College directly; however, you may incur while enrolled such as books and course related supplies, transportation, federal loan fees (if applicable), and miscellaneous expenses. Your actual cost may vary. Some programs involve additional costs. Please contact the Salem College Controller’s Office if you have questions about additional costs.
Total actual costs per student may vary depending upon student classification, enrollment status, and food and housing selections. Per federal regulations, the aggregate financial aid may not exceed the stated cost of attendance.
2024-2025 COST OF ATTENDANCE (Fall/Spring)
The below figures are based on full-time enrollment. Less than full-time enrollment status will result in the decrease of certain direct and indirect costs.
Undergraduate Programs: (Full-Time)
Undergraduate Student (Full-Time, Residential) 24-25
Tuition and Fees $33,848
Housing (standard double room) $6,724
Food (standard meal plan) $6,986
Books and Course Related Supplies $1,250
Transportation Allowance $4,492
Federal Direct Loan Fees $78
Miscellaneous Expense Allowance $1,880
Total 2024-2025 Undergraduate (Full-Time, Residential) $55,258
Undergraduate Student (Full-Time, Commuting) 24-25
Tuition $33,848
Housing Allowance $9,990
Food Allowance $3,860
Books and Course Related Supplies $1,250
Transportation Allowance $1,498
Federal Direct Loan Fees $78
Miscellaneous Expense Allowance $1,880
Total 2024-2025 Undergraduate (Full-Time, Commuting) $52,404
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