Office of Student Financial Assistance > State Financial Aid Programs > MASSGrant

MASSGrant

The MASSGrant program is funded by the state Legislature and provides need-based financial assistance to undergraduate students who reside in Massachusetts. Students must be enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education in any approved public or independent college, university, school of nursing or any other approved institution.

  Requirements
Massachusetts Residency 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 (BHE) policy;
Citizenship Status Must be a U.S. Citizen, permanent legal resident, or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations; or have an approved eligibility status designated by the Board of Higher Education pursuant to Section 9 of Chapter 15A, as amended by Section 11 of Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2024.
FAFSA Completion Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually for consideration of assistance by any designated deadline, as may be determined by the Department of Higher Education (DHE), or an alternative application designated by the DHE.
Eligible Students
  • Must 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.
  • Must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits or its equivalent) in a certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree program at an eligible institution.
  • Must not have received a prior bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
  • Must be maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with institutional and federal standards.
  • Must demonstrate financial need for tuition and fees after accounting for student aid index (SAI) and all forms for scholarship and grant aid.
Eligible Institutions An eligible institution is defined as a state-approved public, private, independent, for-profit or non-profit institution in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts authorized to offer undergraduate degrees, certificates or diploma programs.

Additional eligible institutions include state-approved public, private, independent, non-profit institutions in Vermont, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia that have reciprocity agreements with Massachusetts and award associate’s and/or bachelor’s degrees.
Award Amount Awards will vary, depending on the student aid index (SAI) and the type of institution that the student attends.
How to Apply Complete and file your FAFSA at Fafsa.gov. Many colleges have resources to help you with this form. Students unable to complete the FAFSA due to citizenship status are encouraged to fill out the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA).
FAFSA Deadline August 1, 2024 (for 2024-2025 academic year)
Additional Information
MASSGrant Guidelines & Procedures
MASSGrant Award Terms & Conditions