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

Make your Dream of Higher Education a Reality with MassReconnect

Free Community College for Students 25+

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Have financial barriers forced you to put off your dream of getting a degree?

Are you 25 or older?

Are you ready to get back into the classroom and on the path to achieving your career goals?

If this sounds like you, or someone you know, you are not alone. Almost two million Massachusetts residents are over the age of 25 and do not have a college degree.

There is now a path forward. MassReconnect is a new program that can help you earn a degree or certificate for free and put you one step closer to your dream career.

MassReconnect, led by the Department of Higher Education in partnership with Massachusetts’ public community colleges, will make higher education more affordable and accessible to students across the Commonwealth.

If you are 25 or older, MassReconnect will pay for all your tuition and fees and will provide you with an allowance to cover your books and supplies. All you have to do is apply to your local community college and complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) or the Massachusetts equivalent (MASFA Sign In regenteducation.net).

Do not wait.

Discover Your Local Community College. >

 

Who Is Eligible?

Massachusetts residents 25 years of age or older can take advantage of this life-changing opportunity to earn an associate degree or certificate for free at one of the Commonwealth’s 15 public community colleges.

Eligible individuals must:

  • Be 25 or older on the first day of classes
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Have not previously received an associate or bachelor’s degree or the equivalent
  • Enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress according to the college’s requirements
  • Complete the 23-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

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.

How to Enroll
  • Reach out to your local community college to learn more.
  • Complete and file the 24-25 FAFSA online. Many community colleges have resources to help you with this form.
  • Enroll at a Massachusetts community college at any time. MassReconnect awards will be made directly by the community colleges at the point of enrollment throughout the academic year.
For More Information

Contact your local community college today!
PDF MASSReconnect Guidelines and Procedures

Eligible Institutions

All 15 Massachusetts public community colleges participate in MassReconnect including: