MASSGrant Plus — Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance

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 student; caps decrease at lower credit loads, and the final amount depends on cost of attendance and other aid.

OSFA’s overview gives approximate family-income examples of up to $85,000 for the broadest coverage and roughly $85,000–$100,000 for possible partial reductions, but that illustration assumes a family of four and does not replace the need calculation. For 2026–27, the formal guidelines effective in August require an SAI that meets Pell eligibility criteria; for MASFA filers, the state calculation must place the SAI within the Pell-eligible range. Students also need at least one year of Massachusetts residence—or a state-approved status—FAFSA or MASFA if FAFSA cannot be used, verification, satisfactory progress and no incompatible prior degree. The program’s minimum enrollment is six credits per term.

MASSGrant Plus does not have a separate scholarship form on the OSFA website: students begin with the FAFSA or, when applicable, MASFA and the college’s aid process. The formal 2026–27 guidelines set June 30, 2026 as the filing date. The MASFA page calls that the “priority deadline” and says the form stays open through June 30, 2027; a portal that still accepts a form does not guarantee that aid for the expired cycle can be awarded. Check with OSFA and the college before relying on a late application. The 2027–28 calendar must be published separately. Filing FAFSA early lets the college calculate a package, but does not by itself confirm that the state deadline or individual requirements have been met.

When comparing offers, request tuition and fee charges, the total of other grants and scholarships, and the calculated unmet need. The award does not automatically cover housing, meals or every charge. The program has duration limits: up to five years for a full-time bachelor’s degree and three for an associate degree, with different limits for part-time study; certificates have their own caps. If a student has a prior degree, changes credits or withdraws, speak with financial aid before changing enrollment because the college must recertify eligibility.

A student story published by OSFA describes how the assistance helped the recipient continue studying; it is an individual account selected by the agency. Student forums also include questions about changing balances, awards still marked estimated and documents a college must verify. They do not show that this happens in every case, but they suggest a useful follow-up: check MASSAid, note the program name and ask financial aid when certification and crediting are expected. OSFA lists (617) 391-6070.