Financial Aid Programs

Federal Pell Grant

• A need-based grant program from the federal government for undergraduate students with significant financial need. Students must also meet all of the general Title IV student eligibility requirements, and not have a prior bachelor’s degree.

Federal Supplemental Educational Grant (FSEOG)

• A need-based grant from the federal government for undergraduate students with significant financial need. FSEOG is awarded on a funds available basis. Priority is given to students who are recipients of the Federal Pell Grant.

Massachusetts State Grant

• A need-based grant awarded to full-time students, (enrolled in 12 credits or more each semester) who are Massachusetts residents for at least one year and who do not have a prior bachelor’s degree. Typically, students eligible for this grant are also eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. A FAFSA must be filed by the May 1 priority deadline to be considered for this grant. Students may only receive this award for a maximum of four semesters.

MassCash Grant

• A grant awarded to Massachusetts residents who have resided in the state for at least one year. The Mass Cash Grant is awarded on a funds available basis and can only be applied towards tuition and mandatory fee charges.

Massachusetts Gear Up Grant

• A grant awarded in conjunction with the federal and state government and is designed to assist socially disadvantaged students. Students must participate in the GEAR UP Massachusetts program while in high school in order to be eligible.

Massachusetts Part-Time Grant

• A need-based grant awarded to part-time students (enrolled in 6 to 11 credits each semester) who are Massachusetts residents for at least one year and who do not have a prior bachelor’s degree. Typically, students eligible for this grant are also eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. The Massachusetts Part-Time Grant is awarded on a funds available basis.

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan

• Direct Subsidized Loans are need-based and do not accrue interest while a student is enrolled at least half-time. Students may receive subsidized loans only within 150% of the average length of your program of study. Once you have reached the end of this limit you are no longer able to receive Direct Subsidized Loans. For example; if you are enrolled in a two-year associates degree program, the maximum period for which you can receive Subsidized Loans is three years (2 x 150% = 3 years). You can find more information on it here.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not need-based. Interest accrues on the loans while a student is enrolled. Accumulated interest may be paid on a quarterly basis while enrolled. However, students may choose to defer the interest and pay it with the principal amount upon graduation or when enrollment drops below the minimum half-time status (6 credits). If you would like to accept, reduce or decline your loans please check your MassBay email account for detailed instructions. .You will need to log into Bay Navigator to Accept, Reduce or Decline your student loan.
• First time loan borrowers at MassBay must complete Loan Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN).
• You can find more information on it here.

Federal PLUS Loan

• Parents of dependent, undergraduate students may borrow up to the cost of attendance less any other financial aid.  Interest rates and origination fees for this loan program can be found at the following U.S. Department of Education’s website.

Massachusetts Categorical Tuition Waiver

• A tuition waiver designed to provide financial support to individuals who might not have the opportunity to achieve higher education without such assistance.  

Massachusetts Tuition Waiver

• A state funded, need-based program available to Massachusetts residents who have resided in Massachusetts for at least one year. Awards cannot exceed assessed state-supported day tuition charges.

MassEducate offers free community college for Massachusetts residents of all ages who do not have a bachelor's degree. The program also offers an allowance of up to $1200 per academic year towards books, supplies, and other expenses, based on household income.

MassEducate is available to all students who:

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. 

Students may be eligible to earn credit for past work experience or life skills. 

All students must complete the current FAFSA or MASFA to be considered eligible for MassEducate and MassReconnect. 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.

To attend college and earn a postsecondary credential or degree. MassReconnect is designed to provide “last dollar” financial assistance to ensure that eligible community college students have adequate resources to fully cover the direct costs of tuition, fees, books and supplies, towards a certificate or associate degree at a public community college. Students will be eligible for MassReconnect if they:

• Are 25 or older on the first day of classes
• Are enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education at a public community college
• Have not previously earned a college degree
• Are enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Are a Massachusetts resident

• Currently, only students who are already receiving TFCC will receive funds in 2024. (Placeholder)
• TFCC is a program through the City of Boston that has committed to paying for up to three years of college for all residents. All Boston residents, regardless of age, income, or immigration status, are eligible for TFCC funds. To be eligible, you must:
• Be a Boston resident.
• Enroll in an associate degree program or short-term certificate program.
• Complete the FAFSA if eligible to do so.
• For more information, please visit:
  https://www.boston.gov/departments/workforce-development/tuition-free-community-college-plan#eligibility →

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based, federally funded program that provides part-time jobs to students. Positions are available both on and off campus. The information students provide on the FAFSA, their “federal financial need”, and available funds determine their eligibility for FWS

Early Childhood Educator Scholarship

• A scholarship designed to provide financial assistance for currently employed early childhood and out-of-school-time educators and providers who enroll in an associate degree program in Early Childhood Education or a related program. Students must complete an application with the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education in order to qualify. For additional information about Massachusetts state grant and scholarship programs, including eligibility requirements, visit the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance website at :https://www.mass.edu/osfa/home/home.asp.

Community College Nursing Scholarship

• The Community College Nursing Scholarship program is designed to provide “last dollar” financial assistance to ensure that all eligible students have adequate resources to fully cover the direct costs of tuition, fees and books towards a certificate or associate degree at a public community college. For more information, please go to: https://www.mass.edu/osfa/programs/ccnursingprogram.asp

John and Abigail Adams Scholarship

• State ScholarshipRecipients of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship are eligible for a tuition waiver for state-supported day tuition charges. Students are required to maintain a G.P.A. of 3.0 for continued eligibility. There is no application process for this non-need based scholarship. Eligible students will be notified in the fall of their senior year in high school by the MA Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) and must submit a copy of their eligibility letter to the Financial Aid Office. Students may only receive this award for a maximum of four semesters.

MassBay Community College Scholarships

• Thanks to generous donors over the years, MassBay offers a wide range of scholarships to benefit MassBay students. Each scholarship has different criteria, and eligibility varies for each scholarship. MassBay has developed a "common applications," which enables students to fill out one scholarship application and be eligible for all scholarships that pertain to them. The MassBay Development Office administers these scholarships and welcomes any questions. Visit the scholarships webpage for a full list of MassBay Scholarships and information about how to apply.