The Massachusetts In-Demand Scholarship is a state award for undergraduate or graduate students at public two- or four-year institutions in the Massachusetts public higher-education system. Choosing a field that sounds promising is not enough: the programme and academic code must be an approved in-demand occupation. The 2026–27 guidelines took effect August 1, 2026, and the institution verifies eligibility.
The scholarship may cover tuition and fees charged to the student plus a $1,200 allowance for books and supplies per academic term. However, the Department says award values may be adjusted if the annual appropriation is insufficient for all eligible students. “Full cost” is therefore the maximum allowed by the guidelines, not a guarantee that every candidate will receive complete coverage or a $1,200 payment in every situation.
Applicants must physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year by the start of the term and intend to remain in the state, while meeting the listed citizenship or immigration categories or another status approved by the Board of Higher Education. They must file FAFSA—or MASFA if FAFSA is unavailable—each year; satisfy financial verification; not be in default on covered education loans or owe state-aid refunds; and maintain at least a 3.0 college GPA and satisfactory academic progress.
Eligible fields are set using state labour-market and workforce reports and may include undergraduate or graduate degrees and certificates offered by an eligible public institution. Confirm the exact programme and its CIP code with the college; a similar course of study at a private university is not automatically eligible. The current code list and official scholarship page are more reliable than a commercial list of “future-proof careers.”
Maximum duration depends on enrolment and level: up to four years or eight semesters for a full-time undergraduate at a four-year college, two years or four semesters at a community college, up to six years part time at a four-year institution or four years at a community college with at least six credits per term, and up to two years for graduate students with at least six credits each semester. If funds remain after academic-year awards, summer support up to $2,500 may be available, limited to two terms overall.
This is not presented as a simple standalone city application. Students file FAFSA or MASFA and contact their college financial-aid office to confirm the programme code, campus participation, documents, and internal deadline. Colleges certify eligibility and enrolment; the state prioritises applications by financial need, workforce demand in the field, and academic potential. If the aid package exceeds allowed cost, the institution may adjust other aid to prevent an overaward.
Do not confuse In-Demand with the Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship. OSFA’s dates page says High Demand stopped receiving funding beginning in 2026–27, while In-Demand has current guidelines and a separate programme page. The deadline for In-Demand may depend on the campus; confirm it in MASSAid and with the college. The In-Demand profile explains statewide rules; the OSFA profile provides the official help channel.
OSFA lists 617-391-6070 and 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149. Before submitting records, ask for confirmation of your academic programme and residency; then save the response and ask how the award will appear on your account. State funding can change and the scholarship is packaged with other aid, so compare the final net cost rather than the advertised maximum alone.
In-Demand Scholarship — Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, OSFA.
2026–2027 In-Demand Scholarship Program Guidelines — Massachusetts Board of Higher Education / OSFA.
Important Dates and Deadlines — Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, OSFA.
Information verified on October 12, 2026 against official pages and documents. Applications and terms can change; check the current cycle and confirm any conflicting information directly with the provider before submitting documents or relying on an award.
The 2026–27 rules are in effect, but the college must certify the programme, credits, and eligibility, and state funding can reduce awards. Start with campus financial aid and do not confuse In-Demand with High Demand, which is no longer funded.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Massachusetts In-Demand Scholarship
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
May cover tuition and fees plus $1,200 for books/supplies per term, subject to funding. Requires an approved in-demand programme, one-year state residency, FAFSA/MASFA, 3.0 GPA, satisfactory progress, and campus verification.
State scholarship for high-demand college degrees and certificates
Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA)
135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Publishes state rules, active programmes, and dates, but the institution certifies eligibility and processes In-Demand awards. Students should work with campus financial aid on FAFSA/MASFA and local deadlines.
State student financial-aid office for students and colleges
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts Board of Higher Education / OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Massachusetts In-Demand Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts Board of Higher Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.