Massachusetts Bay Community College is an excellent choice for U.S Veterans seeking to transition into sustainable careers, or transfer to four-year institutions. For more than five decades we have been rewarding our nation’s soldiers with high quality instruction, academic and counseling support services, and a vibrant, supportive college environment. MassBay credits transfer to many four-year institutions around the nation, with many of our Veteran students choosing the transfer option. With readily accessible GI Bill® and tuition reimbursement options, and coursework that can be completed online or on-campus, during evenings and weekends, and as full- or part-time programs, MassBay is a convenient and affordable option for our nation’s returning Veterans.
Request for GI Bill® Benefits/National Guard Tuition & Fee Program Form
Whether you are a returning, transfer or new student, you MUST fill out the Request for GI Bill® Benefits/National Guard Tuition & Fee Program Form.
Notification of desire to use benefits is necessary for EVERY semester.
Please fill out this form AFTER registering for classes. We cannot certify you until you register for courses. Once completed, bring this form and supporting documents to Student Development.
Benefits Form for FALL or SPRING semesters →
Benefits Form for SUMMER sessions →
Approved by Department of Veterans Affairs for use of GI Bill® Education Benefits
Eligible veterans, their dependents and Reservists may apply for educational benefits for full, three-quarter or part-time enrollment.
Free Tuition for Eligible Veterans
Veterans of Massachusetts, as defined by M.G.L. ch. 4, s.7, clause 43, can be eligible for a tuition waiver (officially known as “categorical tuition waivers“) at any state-supported course in an undergraduate degree program offered by a public college or university. To be eligible, a veteran must also be a legal resident of Massachusetts and he/she must not be in default of any federal student loans. Please note that this does not include fees.
Tuition and Fee Waivers for Guard Members
The Massachusetts National Guard Education Assistance Program provides a 100% tuition and fee waiver for Massachusetts National Guard soldiers attending a state college, university, or community college program. Generally, these state-supported programs are offered during the day as part of a degree program. Your assistance can continue as long as you are in good standing academically and until you have reached 130 semester hours. Apply HERE.
Highest Basic Allowance for Housing in Massachusetts
At $3,060 per month, MassBay student veterans receive the highest monthly Basic Allowance for Housing among Massachusetts's community colleges. Students must be taking a full course load to qualify for this level of funding. Partial funds may be distributed for smaller course loads.
Obtain College Credits for Your Service
Student veterans may be eligible to receive MassBay credits due to their military education and experience, as it applies to their choice of associate degree or certificate. Be sure to request that your military transcript be forwarded to MassBay, and we can help determine if your service and experience can be turned into college credits.
MassBay’s VALOR Act Academic Credit Evaluation Policy
In accordance with the VALOR ACT, Massachusetts Bay Community College evaluates credit earned for military education, training, experience, or coursework using the same standards as those applied to coursework from accredited colleges and universities. Massachusetts Bay Community College reviews all military transcripts and discharge documents (DD214), including SMART, ACE, and AARTS, as well as CLEP and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests in accordance with college policies for transferability of credit to the student’s intended major or program of study. Such evaluation shall be in accordance with existing Mass Transfer agreement policies. Students shall receive accurate and complete academic counseling from the Veterans’ Coordinator in collaboration with the Academic Advising Center.
Free On-Campus Career and Counseling Services
At MassBay, we have been welcoming America’s heroes to campus for five decades. We understand the special circumstances being a returning veteran entail, and we make the experience as rewarding as possible. All MassBay students have access to fully licensed counseling professionals, as well as an on-campus Veterans Affairs and Career Services counselors, as well as a full-time Transfer Coordinator to help transition students to four-year institutions. Our active Veterans Club hosts formal and informal gatherings designed to ensure our more than 170 student veterans have colleagues to talk to, and the College has an on-campus resource center, “The Bunker,” dedicated solely to our student veterans.
Contact Us
Our Veterans Affairs Coordinator, located in the Office of Student Development on the first floor of the Wellesley Hills campus, can provide information on eligibility, requirements and application procedures. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 781-239-2753.
Useful Links
GI Bill® →
Post 9/11 GI Bill® video →
Mass VetsAdvisor →
Military Transcripts →
Financial Assistance →
Welcome Home Bonus →
Vet Center Services for Family Members of Veterans →
eBenefits Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) →
Returning Service Members (OEF/OIF) →
Quick Links to V.A. Benefits →
Center for Women Veterans →
Center for Minority Veterans →