Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and the Legislature have funded free community college for Massachusetts residents who do not hold bachelor’s degrees.
No matter your age or income: community college is now free in Massachusetts!
YOU qualify for Free College if you:
- Complete the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA and are an approved “High School Completer” under the Massachusetts tuition equity law, you can complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) and still attend for free. - Apply to MassBay and enroll in an approved program of study. Apply by August 27. 2024 to be eligible for free college this fall. Classes start on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
- Have physically resided in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of your first enrolled term.
- Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent (ED/HiSET)
- Have *not* completed an Bachelor's degree at any college (including outside the United States)
- Are enrolled in at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the college’s requirements.
What are MassEducate and MassReconnect?
MassEducateand MassReconnect allow Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend any of the state’s 15 community colleges and pay no tuition or fees. Both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for certain students.
For any student with no previously earned bachelor’s degree
For students 25 and older with no previously earned associate or bachelor’s degree
Covers all course-related tuition and fees for eligible courses
Covers all course-related tuition and fees for eligible courses
Provides an allowance of up to $1200 per academic year towards books, supplies, and other expenses, based on household income.*
Provides an allowance of up to $600 per semester towards books and supplies, regardless of household income.*
*Actual allowance amount varies by enrollment.
Who is eligible for MassReconnect and MassEducate?
These programs are available to students who:
- Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the enrolled term
- Are either:
- Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent (GED/HiSET)
- Are enrolled in at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in accordance with the college's requirements. For more information about MassBay’s SAP police, please visit https://www.massbay.edu/finance/sap.
Eligibility for books and supply allowances may differ between programs.
Students may be eligible to earn credit for past work experience or life skills. For details about MassBay’s credit for prior learning, please visit https://www.massbay.edu/cpl.
All students must complete the current FAFSA or MASFA to be considered eligible for these programs. For the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 semesters, students must complete the 2024-2025 form; a new financial aid application must be submitted each academic year for continued funding.
How do I know for sure which program I’m eligible for?
Complete your enrollment steps and we’ll take it from there! All residents of Massachusetts who meet the above eligibility criteria have access to tuition- and fee-free community college.
How do I enroll?
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Apply to MassBay and enroll in an approved program of study. MassBay accepts applications throughout the year and there is never an application fee.
What MassBay Programs Are Approved Under the Free College Programs?
All but four (4) degree and credit-bearing certificates at MassBay are approved for Free College. The programs that are *not* approved for MassEducate or MassReconnect are: Central Processing Technology, Computed Tomography, Emergency Medical Technician, and Phlebotomy. Unfortunately, non-credit, community education programs are not included in the free community college program.
If I’ve Already Paid for the Fall 2024 Semester, Will My Costs Still Be Covered?
Final awarding guidelines from the Department of Higher Education are still pending. All eligible students who are enrolled for the fall 2024 semester will have their costs covered. Students who paid some or all of their bill will receive a refund for eligible costs according to College policy and individual student considerations once financial aid is disbursed later in the fall, usually in early November.
The free community college programs MassEducate and MassReconnect are last dollar financial aid grant awards that are applied to a student’s account after all other state and federal financial aid and grants are applied. All students are subject to program guidelines and must maintain eligibility throughout the course of their studies to continue to receive financial aid through MassEducate and MassReconnect. Full program guidelines are forthcoming.
Students who receive MassEducate or MassReconnect awards who are later found to be ineligible, for any reason, may be billed for disbursed funds.
TAKE THESE TWO IMPORTANT STEPS NOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A FREE COLLEGE EDUCATION THIS FALL:
Apply to MassBay (it’s free to apply!) →
Complete your FAFSA (also free!)→
Have More Questions?
Please let us know how to reach you! Fill out the Free College information request form →
Thank you!