Categorical Tuition Waiver

*The following is a brief description for students. Institutions should refer to the most recent guidelines for information.

The Categorical Tuition Waiver is a component of the Single Tuition Waiver Program and has the same purpose of maintaining access to the Commonwealth's public colleges and universities. The Categorical Tuition Waiver is designed to provide financial support to individuals who might not have the opportunity to achieve higher education without such assistance.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for a Categorical Tuition Waiver, a student must:

1 See www.mass.edu/tuitionequity for more details.

2 Pursuant to Section 9 of Chapter 15A, as amended by Section 11 of Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2023.

Eligible Institutions

An eligible institution is within the system of public institutions of higher education section 5 of Chapter 15A of the General Laws.

Award Amounts

Students qualifying for a Categorical Tuition Waiver may be granted full tuition waivers consistent with the institution's policies.

Click here to view the full value of tuition waivers, by school, for a full-time student in the current academic year.

How to Apply

Contact the financial aid office at the institution you are attending or plan to attend for application requirements or deadlines. You can also call the DHE’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617) 391-6070 to obtain more information.

PDF Tuition Waiver Guidelines