Massachusetts residents that attend Massachusetts public community colleges and state universities (M.G.L. c.15A, section 5) can benefit both from discounted tuition rates, and from state-funded grant, scholarship, and loan programs.
In-state tuition rates are not financial aid. In-state tuition rates are discounted tuition rates that charge Massachusetts residents less to attend college. Massachusetts residents can be eligible to receive these discounted tuition rates regardless of whether they apply for federal or state financial aid. The in-state tuition rates result in less charges on a student's account and total cost of attendance than if they were charged the full cost of tuition.
To access in-state tuition rates at Massachusetts public community colleges, state universities, and the University of Massachusetts, there are two pathways:
To be eligible for most types of financial aid, students must complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). Students should only complete ONE financial aid application.
Please Read: Students are encouraged to use DHE's FAFSA/MASFA Eligibility Questionnaire to identify which financial aid application to complete. For students that have already confirmed which application they need to fill out, you may select the appropriate application link below.
CAUTION: Students must only submit ONE application. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in substantial delays to financial aid application processing and may potentially impact the applicant's state financial aid award.
PLEASE NOTE: to be eligible for Massachusetts State Financial Aid programs, you must also be physically living in Massachusetts for at least 12 months prior to start of the academic year for which you are applying for financial aid.
Use our FAFSA/MASFA Eligibility Questionnaire to determine which application to complete.
Complete the FAFSA only if you are a US citizen or eligible noncitizen. Students must file a new FASFA every year they are enrolled in college to determine eligibility for financial aid.
If you are eligible to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) do NOT complete the MASFA. Qualifying students must file a new MASFA every year they are enrolled in college to determine eligibility for financial aid.
MASFA Filers Please Read: After submitting the completed MASFA application, you must also complete and submit a copy of the Tuition Equity Form and Affidavit to the institution where you are enrolled or seek to enroll. Generally, the form should be submitted to your first-choice institution. For questions regarding how to complete the form, please email tuitionequity@dhe.mass.edu. For questions regarding how to submit the form to your institution, please contact your college or university financial aid office directly.
For general questions regarding in-state tuition and state financial aid eligibility, please contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at 617-391-6070 or osfa@osfa.mass.edu.
For questions regarding eligibility and documentation requirements for High School Completer Status, please review our FAQ page, or email tuitionequity@dhe.mass.edu.
If students have any questions regarding their immigration status or eligibility for in-state tuition or state financial aid, they should meet with a trusted, experienced immigration attorney. Local resources such as these cited below may be helpful. If students cannot access an attorney immediately, they are advised to please speak to a trusted advisor on campus:
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