MassEducate — Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance
MassEducate covers tuition and fees as a last-dollar grant for eligible students at Massachusetts public community colleges; it may add up to US$1,200 for books and supplies and up to another US$1,200 for attendance costs based on income and current rules. It requires at least 6 credits per term in an eligible undergraduate program, FAFSA/MASFA, and compliance with state residency, status, progress, and other limits.
About MassEducate — Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance
MassEducate is a Massachusetts state aid program for community college, not a city scholarship awarded simply for living in Boston. Boston directs students to it after announcing that its Tuition-Free Community College Plan (TFCC) is phasing out. This profile focuses on the state application and the difference between new state aid and the commitment Boston continues for students already enrolled in TFCC.
The state’s “Free Community College” page brings together MassEducate and MassReconnect, but they serve different groups and have distinct rules. MassEducate is available to eligible community-college students of any age; MassReconnect is for people age 25 or older who have not earned a bachelor’s degree. The state says the combined benefits include tuition and fees, while some students may also qualify for book or other attendance allowances.
Start by enrolling in an eligible undergraduate certificate or associate-degree program and taking at least six credits per term. The published rules address one year of physical Massachusetts residency, intent to remain, eligible immigration status, and student-loan standing. The application accepts FAFSA; someone unable to file because of immigration status can complete MASFA. The college financial-aid office then verifies documents and determines the award.
MassEducate is last-dollar aid: it covers eligible tuition and fees remaining after other aid is applied, not necessarily every cost of living and studying. The official page lists up to US$1,200 for books and supplies based on income and, for some students, up to another US$1,200 for other attendance costs. These are maximum allowances; an individual award can be lower and depends on approved costs, term, rules, and appropriations.
For Boston students, the state list includes Bunker Hill Community College and Roxbury Community College along with other public institutions across Massachusetts. Confirm that your program and campus appear on the eligible-institution list, and ask Financial Aid for a net-cost estimate before accepting loans. The Office of Student Financial Assistance lists 617-391-6070 for general state guidance; the college where you enroll makes the final determination.
Who it serves and what it can cover: MassEducate covers tuition and fees as a last-dollar grant for eligible students at Massachusetts public community colleges; it may add up to US$1,200 for books and supplies and up to another US$1,200 for attendance costs based on income and current rules. It requires at least 6 credits per term in an eligible undergraduate program, FAFSA/MASFA, and compliance with state residency, status, progress, and other limits.
How to apply or get help: Start with FAFSA or MASFA and work with the financial-aid office at the Massachusetts community college where you plan to enroll. For general state guidance, OSFA lists 617-391-6070; the institution handles verification and the award determination. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
Massachusetts state tuition-and-fee grant for community college students