Are you a middle or low-income student attending or looking to attend one of Massachusetts’ community colleges, state universities or the University of Massachusetts at a discounted rate?
In 2023, Governor Maura Healey announced the expansion of MASSGrant Plus, making public colleges and universities in Massachusetts more affordable for tens of thousands of students.
Pell Grant-eligible students, typically those who have a family adjusted gross income of approximately $73,000 or less annually, receive free tuition and fees at Massachusetts’ public colleges and universities, along with a $1,200 allowance for books and supplies. The costs of room and board are not covered by this program.
Middle income students, who have a family adjusted gross income between $73,000 and $100,000 annually, can receive a 50 percent reduction in the cost of tuition and fees at Massachusetts’ public colleges and universities.
Students automatically apply for MASSGrant Plus by completing the FAFSA, which is available at fafsa.gov. Students who are undocumented and qualify as High School Completers should apply for state financial aid by completing the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA), while also completing and affidavit at the institution they plan to attend. Learn more about the affidavit and MASFA at mass.edu/tuitionequity.
Many students benefit for federal Pell Grants, but these funds do not cover the full cost of tuition and fees at Massachusetts colleges. MASSGrant Plus fills that gap and covers the full cost of tuition and fees for Pell Grant-eligible students attending Massachusetts public colleges and universities, and it includes a $1,200 allowance for books and supplies.
Governor Healey announced the expansion of MASSGrant Plus in November 2023, with benefits retroactive to the start of the fall 2023 semester. The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education estimated that the change benefits 25,000 students.
Through a separate financial aid program, MassReconnect, Massachusetts also offers free tuition and fees and a $1,200 book and supply stipend at the state’s 15 community colleges to students 25 and older without prior degrees regardless of income.
Further financial aid opportunities that help cover the cost of attendance at public and private colleges and universities in Massachusetts are described at https://www.mass.edu/osfa/home/home.asp.
Completing the FAFSA is a crucial step to learning whether you qualify for federal and state financial aid. Students who cannot complete the FAFSA due to their immigration status can apply for state financial aid by completing the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). Both forms are free. and make students eligible for the same Massachusetts financial aid programs on the same terms. State resources are available to help students apply for financial aid, including:
We also recommend contacting your school counselor or the financial aid office at a college or university at which you have been accepted.
You qualify for MASSGrant Plus Expansion if you:
To be eligible, complete the free FAFSA each academic year. If you are unable to complete the FAFSA due to your immigration status, please complete its state alternative, the MASFA.
Students who are undocumented are eligible for state financial aid and should complete the new state alternative to the FAFSA, the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). Learn more about accessing in-state tuition and applying for state financial aid at mass.edu/masfa.
For eligible students, MASSGrant Plus Expansion funds will be credited to your financial account by your institution.
Pell Grant-eligible students who have completed the 2023 FAFSA are eligible for an allowance of up to $1,200 in books and supplies. Colleges and universities will apply these funds to the accounts of students deemed eligible.
MASSGrant Plus Expansion aid is available to eligible students attending Massachusetts’ public community colleges, state universities, and the University of Massachusetts. Visit these institutions’ websites to learn more about applying. Qualifying institutions include:
Connect @MassDHE
