Tuition-Free Colleges in Boston 2025

Becoming a college student is one of the primary goals for students in high school, and the city of Boston is making it easier to achieve. The cost of tuition is sometimes too expensive for students to handle, leading to years of student loan repayments. As more students express interest in attending college, many legislators want to understand how to make it more affordable.

Some community college programs are offered either for free or at a low cost to Boston residents, and those with a Massachusetts address. There are many tuition-free online colleges in Massachusetts. These 6 tuition-free colleges in Boston make it easier to earn college credits and work toward a degree.

Top 6 Tuition-Free Colleges Near Boston

According to the City of Boston website, the Tuition-Free Community College (TFCC) Plan pays up to three years of tuition for students working toward their associate degree. Students can apply through the MassReconnect, MassExpansion Grant, or Tuition Equity Bill websites.

Here are the colleges that offer discounted or free tuition services through the Commonwealth commitment. A selection of courses or programs available to eligible students may be available.

Bunker Hill Community College

Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) is in Boston and offers financial assistance through the Tuition-Free Community College Plan (TFCC). During their two-year degree program, students can take advantage of free tuition for all their classes and may be eligible for a $250 stipend per semester to pay for books and other classroom expenses.

Mass Bay Community College

Massbay Community College offers discounted tuition for Massachusetts residents through the TFCC plan. To enroll, students must confirm their eligibility before applying and then submit their application through the TFCC portal. Students must be U.S. citizens from Boston and complete their FAFSA application.

Massasoit Community College

Massasoit Community College was added to the list of TFCC colleges in 2019. New students can apply for aid through the free community college program website and by submitting their FAFSA application. Students should complete their application before the start of their freshman year semester so they w

Northern Essex Community College

Through the MassReconnect program, community college students may be eligible for free or low-cost tuition. TFCC students should complete their free application for federal student aid before the fall semester. Students are only eligible if they are U.S. Citizens. If students are still waiting on their immigration status, it may cause delays in acceptance from the program.

Bristol Community College

While not located directly in Boston, Bristol Community College (BCC) is in Fall River and offers popular nursing programs for students who wish to enter the medical field. BCC prides itself on effective workforce development for its students and offers short-term certificate programs for professionals looking to hone their skills.

Roxbury Community College

There are several programs available through the Roxbury Community College that make it easier and cheaper to earn a college degree. Students can apply for Commonwealth Commitment which allows them to get an affordable degree at the associate's level before transferring to one of the four-year degrees at a state university. At that point, students may move on to earn their bachelor's degree at a four-year college.

How To Access Free College in Boston

Students in Boston have several options to access free or affordable college education. These include attending community colleges, applying for financial aid, and taking advantage of various grants and scholarship programs in the Boston area.

Attend a Community College

One of the most effective ways to access affordable college education in Boston is by attending a community college. Institutions like Bunker Hill Community College and Roxbury Community College offer lower tuition rates than four-year universities. Additionally, programs like the Boston Bridge Program provide pathways for students to transfer to state universities with reduced tuition costs after completing their associate degree. MassTransfer can also support students pursuing a bachelor's degree.

Apply for Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid is crucial for students seeking to minimize college expenses. By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students can qualify for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Students should submit their application through the studentaid.gov online portal, which will help them determine eligibility for other programs such as TFCC.

Massachusetts also offers the MASSGrant, which provides need-based financial assistance to in-state students attending public or private institutions.

Grants and Scholarship Programs

Boston offers a variety of grants and scholarships to help students afford college. The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship provides tuition waivers to students who excel in MCAS exams. The Boston University Community Service Award offers full-tuition scholarships to students demonstrating a strong commitment to community service.

The Boston Scholarship Fund and the Boston Foundation also provide numerous scholarship opportunities for Boston residents based on academic achievement and financial need.