At a glance
Free if eligible- What it covers
- Eligible tuition and fees at Massachusetts public community colleges, after other aid, subject to appropriation. The college calculates the award; additional books, supplies and other-expense allowances depend on income and eligibility.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Massachusetts Department of Higher Education ↗
- Income / financial rules
- Tuition support has no general age or income limit, but additional allowances use income-based guidelines. Financial-aid filing, residency/status, enrollment and academic requirements still apply.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Massachusetts Department of Higher Education ↗
- Who to check first
- Matriculate in an eligible undergraduate certificate or associate-degree programme at a participating Massachusetts public community college, with at least 6 credits per term or the equivalent.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Massachusetts Department of Higher Education ↗
- Application timing
- Confirm the intended term, financial-aid filing and verification timing with the college. The reviewed programme page does not establish one universal closing date.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Massachusetts Department of Higher Education ↗
Check your eligibility
Some items describe alternative routes rather than requirements for everyone. Use the route that applies to you as a preparation checklist; the program makes the eligibility decision.
How to apply
- 1Contact the financial-aid office at the community college you attend or plan to attend. Confirm the exact certificate/degree, matriculated status and required credits before assuming the course qualifies.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Massachusetts Department of Higher Education ↗
- 2File the FAFSA for the intended year; students unable to file because of citizenship status should use MASFA. Complete any financial-aid verification the college requests.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Massachusetts Department of Higher Education ↗
- 3Ask the college to confirm your remaining tuition/fee award after other aid and any separately approved books, supplies or other-expense allowance. Check your actual bill and enrollment rather than treating an advertised allowance as an automatic cash payment.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Massachusetts Department of Higher Education ↗
What to watch for
Common questions
What is the main benefit?
Eligible tuition and fees at Massachusetts public community colleges, after other aid, subject to appropriation. The college calculates the award; additional books, supplies and other-expense allowances depend on income and eligibility.
Is there an income limit?
Tuition support has no general age or income limit, but additional allowances use income-based guidelines. Financial-aid filing, residency/status, enrollment and academic requirements still apply.
When should I apply?
Confirm the intended term, financial-aid filing and verification timing with the college. The reviewed programme page does not establish one universal closing date.
Sources & verification
Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.