Massachusetts offers several state grants with similar names, but MASSGrant and MASSGrant Plus have different purposes and rules. MASSGrant is need-based aid for full-time undergraduates at approved institutions; MASSGrant Plus is designed mainly to fill remaining tuition and fee need at public four-year universities and may add support for books and approved costs. Eligibility does not depend on family income alone: residency, SAI, credits, campus type, other grants and verification matter.
MASSGrant requires at least 12 credits, an approved undergraduate program, financial need and no prior bachelor’s degree. The state list includes eligible public and independent schools and some institutions under reciprocity agreements. The amount varies by Student Aid Index and institution; it is not a fixed award. For 2026–27, OSFA’s published FAFSA or MASFA deadline was June 30, 2026, which has passed. Students planning for 2027–28 should check when OSFA publishes the next date rather than assume last year’s deadline repeats.
MASSGrant Plus is aimed primarily at undergraduates at public four-year universities and uses last-dollar coverage: tuition and fees minus other non-loan aid. The 2026–27 guidelines, effective August 1, 2026, require at least six credits, one year of Massachusetts residence or an approved state status, FAFSA—or MASFA if FAFSA cannot be used—satisfactory progress and the applicable SAI. They also allow up to $1,200 a year for books, supplies and other approved costs; the maximum changes with credit load and unmet need. Housing and meals are not automatically covered.
To apply, submit only the form that matches your eligibility: FAFSA or MASFA. The MASFA page says it is for students unable to file FAFSA who meet state criteria; it is not an elective alternative. Sign into MASSAid, read notices, answer document requests and confirm the campus, credits and program are correct. If the portal gives an ineligibility reason, follow that specific instruction and contact OSFA and the college; if it involves residency, identity or prior study, prepare verifiable documents and keep upload receipts.
When comparing offers, request tuition, fees, other nonrepayable aid, the estimated MASSGrant or Plus amount and remaining balance in writing. OSFA publishes beneficiary stories about how aid helped students continue, while forums include questions about notices and missing documents; these individual accounts do not guarantee an award. The 2026–27 priority date for MASSGrant and MASSGrant Plus had passed by this research date; although FAFSA/MASFA forms remain open through June 30, 2027, ask whether state aid can still be considered. This guide also helps students plan the next cycle: check the dates page, MASSAid and new guidelines before committing to costs. OSFA lists (617) 391-6070 and osfa@osfa.mass.edu for questions.
Compare the options and confirm eligibility and deadlines directly with the program before applying.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
MASSGrant — Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance
135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
MASSGrant is Massachusetts need-based state aid for undergraduate students enrolled full time at an approved institution. It may be used at public or independent colleges in Massachusetts and some institutions in Vermont, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., under reciprocity agreements. For 2026–27,
Need-based aid for full-time undergraduate students; the award depends on the student-aid index, institution and approved funding
MASSGrant Plus — Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance
135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
MASSGrant Plus works as last-dollar aid: at public four-year colleges it can cover eligible tuition and fees left after other non-loan aid is subtracted. The 2026–27 rules also provide an Allowance and Support Award for books, supplies and other approved costs, up to $1,200 a year for a full-time st
Last-dollar tuition and fee support at public four-year colleges; an additional allowance of up to $1,200 for books and other approved costs, subject to SAI, credits and funding
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of MASSGrant — Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of MASSGrant — Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of MASSGrant — Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of MASSGrant — Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of MASSGrant — Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of MASSGrant Plus — Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of MASSGrant Plus — Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance ↗
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 of MASSGrant Plus — Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of MASSGrant Plus — Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of MASSGrant Plus — Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts 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 OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts OSFA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Dudas públicas sobre elegibilidad y notificaciones de MASSGrant ↗
Secondary source
Reddit, r/umass · Accessed October 12, 2026
Estudiantes comentan en junio de 2026 mensajes de elegibilidad y correcciones de expediente; relatos anecdóticos, no determinan reglas.
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Debate estudiantil sobre paquetes y notificaciones MASSGrant ↗
Secondary source
Reddit, r/umass · Accessed October 12, 2026
Publicación de junio de 2026 con dudas sobre notificaciones de elegibilidad y documentos; anecdótica.
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Student discussion of MASSGrant eligibility notices ↗
Secondary source
Reddit, r/umass · Accessed October 12, 2026
Anecdotal June 2026 reports about eligibility notices and portal documents.