Free College is Here for All

MassEducate and 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.

                              MassEducate                                                                                                                                  MassReconnect

For any student with no previously earned bachelor's degree.                            For any student with no previously earned bachelor's or associate'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,        Provides an allowance of up to $600 per academic year towards books, 

supplies, and other expenses, based on household income.*                             supplies, and other expenses, regardless of household income.*

*Actual allowance amount varies by enrollment.

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:
  • A U.S. Citizen, permanent legal resident, or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations, or
  • An approved “High School Completer” per the Massachusetts tuition equity law.
• 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. 

Eligibility for books and supply allowances may differ between programs.

Students may be eligible to earn credit for past work experience or life skills. Learn more about MassBay’s credit for prior learning program.

All students must complete the current FAFSA or MASFA to be considered eligible for these programs. For the 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.

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.

• Complete the 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, please complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA).
• Apply to MassBay and enroll in an approved program of study. Apply by Tuesday, May 13, 2025 to be eligible for free college this summer and by Tuesday, August 26, 2025 to be eligible for free college this fall. Summer classes start Monday, May 19, 2025; Fall semester classes start Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

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 also not eligible for the free college programs.