Massachusetts Access (Cash) Grant
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesRenews each year
Need-based grant at Massachusetts public colleges that helps pay mandatory fees and other charges not covered by tuition waivers.
- How much
- up to the school's tuition and fees for the award period (set by the college)
- Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). At least 3 undergraduate credits per semester at a MA public college or university; no prior bachelor's or professional degree; satisfactory academic progress. Not in default on student loans and no state aid refund owed.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Check dates Campus-based; deadlines set by each public college.
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA (or MASFA) and follow your public college's financial aid process
- The college awards it
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 22, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu) and page 2
The details
Companion to the Need-Based Tuition Waiver: public colleges use state Cash Grant funds to help students with need pay mandatory fees and non-state-supported tuition. An award for a term can't exceed the school's combined tuition and fees for that term. The college packages it with other aid.
More money from Massachusetts
- MASSGrantup to $2,590 per year (2026-27; varies by SAI and type of school)
- Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant$200 to $2,500 per year
- Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarshipup to 50% of calculated financial need per year
- Commonwealth Commitmenttuition and fees frozen + 10% rebate each semester + MassTransfer tuition credit
- Community College Nursing Scholarshipremaining tuition, fees, books and supplies after other grants
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.