MASSGrant is a state need-based grant for Massachusetts residents enrolled in approved public or independent institutions. It may support undergraduate degrees and certain certificate programs, but it does not replace FAFSA or federal and institutional eligibility review.
2026–27 rules require FAFSA or, for eligible applicants unable to file FAFSA, MASFA; at least one year of Massachusetts residence with intent to remain or an approved status; full-time study of at least 12 credits; no prior bachelor’s degree; demonstrated need; and satisfactory academic progress. Eligible schools include participating institutions in Massachusetts and certain reciprocity partners.
There is no single award amount for every student: the grant varies with Student Aid Index and school type. The campus reviews tuition need and other scholarships or grants, so a prior-year estimate should not be used to budget automatically for the current cycle. The final offer appears in the institution’s financial-aid package.
The published 2026–27 FAFSA/MASFA deadline was June 30, 2026, already past at this review. If you did not apply, ask the college whether it can still review other state or institutional aid; do not assume MASSGrant reopens. For 2027–28, file FAFSA or MASFA when available and check OSFA’s annual deadline.
The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding. Read the program profile and the administering agency; ask the college for an individual review.
For a current-cycle estimate, ask the financial-aid office to distinguish the state grant from federal Pell and institutional scholarships in the package. The 2026–27 filing window is closed, so a student who missed it should ask whether any lawful correction or later-cycle route exists rather than assume an appeal reopens the application. For the next cycle, confirm the campus deadline early: a state date and a college’s document deadline may not be the same.
MASSGrant — Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance.
2026–27 MASSGrant terms and guidelines — Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.
MASFA application — Massachusetts OSFA.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, deadlines, award amounts, and funding change by cycle. Confirm current terms with the agency and your college financial-aid office.
The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
MASSGrant
2026–27 rules require FAFSA or, for eligible applicants unable to file FAFSA, MASFA; at least one year of Massachusetts residence with intent to remain or an approved status; full-time study of at least 12 credits; no prior bachelor’s degree; demonstrated need; and satisfactory academic progress. Eligible schools include participating institutions in Massachusetts and certain reciprocity partners.
Public student-aid program
Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA)
The state office administers or coordinates the program, while the college confirms individual eligibility, enrollment, and award amounts where the rules assign it that role.
Public student-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts OSFA · Accessed October 13, 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 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of MASSGrant ↗
Primary source
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 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 OSFA publications · Accessed October 13, 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 OSFA · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.