Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program

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

The Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program (GMSGP) provides funds for participating Massachusetts' institutions of higher education and schools of nursing. At least 100 percent of the funds must be used for direct financial assistance to undergraduate students from Massachusetts so they may attend or continue to attend such institutions.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for a Massachusetts Gilbert Grant, a student must:

• Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the enrolled term, with an intent to remain in Massachusetts consistent with Board of Higher Education policy; and
• Have approved eligibility status as a “High School Completer,” ¹ per the Massachusetts tuition equity law, ² or be a U.S. Citizen, permanent legal resident, or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations.
• Not be in default of any federal or state Student Loans for attendance at any institution or owe a refund for any previous financial aid received.
• Be enrolled full time (at least 12 credits or its equivalent) at an eligible institution.
• Not have earned a bachelor's or professional degree or their equivalent.
• Not have earned a first diploma from a hospital or professional nursing program.
• Be maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with institutional and federal standards.
• Demonstrate financial aid need as determined by program guidelines.
  

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 shall mean an institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts which:

• Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education or the recognized equivalent of such a certification, and
• Is legally authorized within the Commonwealth to provide a program of post-secondary education, and
• Provides an education for which it awards an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, or
• Provides an education which results in an award of a diploma indicating satisfactory completion of a hospital school or professional nursing program which is accredited by the National League of Nursing, and is approved by the State Board of Registration in Nursing
• Is not a public institution of higher education operated by the Commonwealth or its subdivisions and does not derive the major portion of its annual budget from state or local appropriations, and
• Does not have as its primary purpose education for religious purposes.

Award Amounts

Massachusetts Gilbert Grant awards range from $200 to $2500 per academic year.

How to Apply

Contact your financial aid office for application requirements and deadlines. You may also call the DHE’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617) 391-6070 for additional information.

Gilbert Grant Procedures and Guidelines