How To Get Free College in Massachusetts

Getting a college degree might be the next step towards a higher salary and promotion opportunities in your career. Many high school students dream of getting into a high-quality degree program. Unfortunately, as the cost of living continues to rise and tuition rates increase, it can be more challenging to get a degree now than a few decades ago.

There are several initiative programs to give back to the community and make earning a college degree more financially accessible. For example, students may attend tuition-free online colleges in Massachusetts.

In this article, we will discuss the various programs available to Massachusetts residents and how to determine if you are one of the eligible students who can get their tuition paid for by the state.

Is Community College Free in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Senate allotted a $58 billion state budget toward free community college programs under the leadership of Maura Healey. All 15 community colleges in Massachusetts now offer a free tuition program to low-income students. The MassEducate program is a tuition equity program that helps students earn their associate degree for either a low cost or completely free. This makes it possible for students to earn a degree and better their lives regardless of their economic status.

Many community colleges have joined the program since its conception, making it possible for students throughout the state to find a locally convenient two-year degree program. Interested students should determine their eligibility before applying.

Who Qualifies for Free College in Massachusetts?

Many of the free tuition initiatives in the Commonwealth are need-based. This means a student must prove they need the service and are from a low-income household. Students must also be permanent legal residents of Massachusetts and show they have lived in Massachusetts for a certain time before enrolling. Some programs may also require a student applicant to be a U.S. citizen.

What Is the MASSGrant Plus Program?

The MASSGrant Plus Program is a financial aid initiative in Massachusetts designed to help low-income students afford higher education. MASSGrant Plus offers funds to cover the remaining cost of tuition after other forms of financial aid (such as Pell Grants) have been applied.

Who Is Eligible?

The MASSGrant is geared toward community college students who wish to earn their associate degree or transfer into a bachelor's degree upon completion. Students who are considered low-income and residents of Massachusetts may apply.

Eligible Institutions

Some state institutions, community colleges, and institutions under the University of Massachusetts system may be eligible for the MASSGrant program. The students who want to take advantage of this program should consider one of the UMass universities, or consider one of the many community colleges, such as the options below:

• Berkshire Community College
• Bristol Community College
• Bunker Hill Community College
• Cape Cod Community College

How To Apply

Students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the studentaid.gov portal. This will determine student's eligibility for various need-based programs (including MASSGrant), and help them set up any student loans they wish to take out before the first day of classes.

What Is MassReconnect?

MassReconnect is a program designed to support adult learners in Massachusetts by providing free community college education to residents 25 years or older who do not already have a college degree. It's an important initiative to make higher education more accessible and affordable for adult learners in Massachusetts.

Who Is Eligible?

To take advantage of this financial aid program through the state, students must be over 25 and Massachusetts residents. Additionally, they must be new students, demonstrating that they have never attended undergraduate courses or earned a degree.

Eligible Institutions

All 15 of the community colleges in Massachusetts are part of the MassReconnect program. Students may choose one of the community college programs that fits their interests, whether they wish to join one of the nursing programs or information technology degrees to help them advance their careers.

How To Apply

Interested individuals must apply to one of the 15 community colleges in Massachusetts. Next, they should submit their FAFSA application, which will determine their eligibility for federal and state financial aid. Once they get accepted into the program and meet the college's requirements, they can select their courses and begin at the start of the fall semester.

What Is the Massachusetts Tuition-Free Community College Initiative?

The Massachusetts Tuition-Free Community College Initiative is a state-funded program providing free tuition to eligible residents at public community colleges in Massachusetts. The initiative is designed to make higher education more accessible and affordable, particularly for low- and middle-income students.

Who Is Eligible?

Students who apply must have a high school diploma and prove their need for financial assistance by submitting proof of their house income. Potential students must also show that they are legal residents of Massachusetts and have never before completed an undergraduate degree.

Eligible Institutions

The Massachusetts Tuition-Free Community College Initiative applies only to community colleges in the commonwealth, and all 15 within the state are part of the program. This is ideal for students who wish to earn an associate degree and begin working after a two-year program.

How To Apply

The Department of Higher Education has simplified the enrollment process similar to the other programs through MassEducate Students must first apply to the community college of their choice, and then submit their FAFSA application. This final step will prove they meet the financial criteria for the program.

Tips for Making College Affordable

Even if a student isn't eligible for some state-led programs for financial assistance, they might be able to take advantage of other solutions. Look for scholarships from colleges, private organizations, and community groups. Use websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and the College Board's Scholarship Search. These three websites offer a full list of possible scholarships and grants with various requirements.

Tuition-Free Colleges in Massachusetts

Students may find multiple ways to save money on college tuition in Massachusetts. Through a combination of the programs listed above, private scholarships, and tuition-friendly colleges, students can save significantly on their overall college bill. Here are some colleges that offer low-cost tuition options.

Bunker Hill Community College

In collaboration with the city of Boston and the Boston Bridge Program, Bunker Hill Community College offers free community college tuition to graduates of Boston Public Schools and charter schools. Students should be residents of Boston and prove their household income is below a certain threshold amount.

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Known as a prestigious state school, the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) has an initiative toward continuing the education of working professionals. The school offers online certificate programs that can be completed tuition-free under specific conditions, such as certain professional development programs.

Roxbury Community College

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Roxbury Community College offers several tuition assistance programs for Massachusetts residents. They are also part of the Boston Bridge Program similar to Bunker Hill Community College, which allows free or low tuition costs to graduates of Boston's public schools.