Protection Against Rising Costs
Your per credit hour rate is locked on day one. While tuition increases everywhere else, yours never changes.
Plan Your Finances with Certainty
Know your exact tuition cost for your entire degree before you start. Make informed decisions about loans, savings, and payment plans without guessing what next year will bring.
Your Timeline, Your Choice
Life happens. Work gets busy. Family needs you. Take the time you need to finish your degree without worrying about your tuition rate changing.
Step 1
Enroll Starting October 27th, 2025
Submit your application for any undergraduate or graduate degree program with an October 27th start date.
Step 2
Your Rate Locks Automatically
The tuition rate in effect when you begin is your rate for the entire program. Nothing to apply for. Nothing extra to sign.
Who Qualifies?
✓ New students enrolling in any degree program starting October 27th, 2025 or later
✓ All programs qualify: Nursing, Business, Criminal Justice, Education, IT, Healthcare, and more
✓ Both undergraduate and graduate degree programs
✓ Must maintain continuous enrollment each fall and spring (summer is optional)
✓ Must remain in your original degree program
Questions About the Tuition Lock?
Does this work with financial aid?
Yes. Students in the Tuition Lock Program remain fully eligible for federal financial aid under Title IV. Your locked rate will be reflected in your Cost of Attendance calculations.
What if I need to take a semester off?
Approved medical or military leaves (up to one year with advance written notice) protect your locked rate. Other breaks will end your tuition lock, and you’ll pay current rates when you return.
I’m in nursing/healthcare. Does this work for clinical programs?
Yes. All Salem University degree programs qualify for the Tuition Lock, including nursing, healthcare administration, and all clinical programs.
What’s included in the lock?
Your per credit hour tuition rate only. Fees, books, supplies, and other costs are not locked and may change.
Can I switch my major and keep my locked rate?
No. You must remain in your original degree program to maintain your locked tuition rate. Changing programs means you’ll pay current tuition rates.
What if Salem changes this program later?
Once your rate is locked, it’s locked. Future program changes won’t affect students who already have a locked rate.
Do graduate programs qualify?
Yes. Both undergraduate and graduate programs qualify for the Tuition Lock when you enroll starting October 27th, 2025.
I’m interested in multiple programs. When do I have to choose?
You lock your rate based on the program you enroll in. We recommend speaking with an admissions counselor to help you choose the right program before your October 27th start date.
Legal Terms
View Complete Program Terms and Conditions
Program Terms and Conditions
Tuition Lock Guarantee Students who enroll at Salem University starting October 27th, 2025 will have their per credit hour tuition rate locked for the duration of their current degree program, subject to the terms and conditions below.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a new student enrolling in a degree program starting October 27th, 2025 or later
- Applies to all undergraduate and graduate degree programs
- Student must maintain continuous enrollment in fall and spring terms (summer enrollment is optional and not required to maintain tuition lock)
- Student must remain enrolled in their original degree program
What Is Locked
The tuition lock applies to the per credit hour tuition rate only. The locked rate will remain in effect for the duration of the student’s current degree program as long as continuous enrollment requirements are met.
What Is Not Locked
The tuition lock does not apply to fees, books, supplies, room and board, or any other educational expenses beyond per credit hour tuition. These costs may change.
Loss of Tuition Lock
Students will lose their tuition lock benefit and revert to current tuition rates if they:
- Fail to maintain continuous enrollment in fall and spring terms (excluding approved leaves as described below)
- Change to a different degree program
- Transfer to another institution and later return to Salem University
Approved Leaves
Students may maintain their tuition lock during approved leaves of absence for military service or documented medical emergencies, provided they return within one year and notify the university in writing prior to their leave.
Financial Aid Eligibility
Students participating in the Tuition Lock Program remain eligible for federal financial aid programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. Cost of Attendance for financial aid purposes will be calculated in accordance with federal regulations and may reflect the locked tuition rate.
Program Changes
Salem University reserves the right to modify or discontinue the Tuition Lock Program for future enrolling students. Students who have already locked their rate will not be affected by such changes.
Questions
For questions about the Tuition Lock Program or to verify your eligibility, contact the Office of Enrollment Operations at 304-326-1284 or admissions@salemu.edu.
Accreditation and Compliance
Salem University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and authorized to participate in federal student aid programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. The university complies with all applicable federal and state regulations regarding tuition, fees, and financial aid administration.
