Incentive Program for Aspiring Teachers Tuition Waiver
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Tuition waiver for junior and senior year at a Massachusetts state university or UMass Boston/Dartmouth/Lowell for students in teacher-shortage fields who commit to two years of MA public school teaching.
- How much
- resident tuition for up to two years
- Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). Third or fourth year in a state-approved teacher education program in a shortage field at a MA state university or UMass Boston, Dartmouth or Lowell; satisfactory academic progress. Service obligation: teach in a MA public school or repay with interest. Not in default on student loans and no state aid refund owed.
- For undergrads
- For education (teacher shortage fields) students
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
- When to apply
- Check dates Deadlines set by each college.
- How to apply
- Contact the financial aid office at your public college
- File the FAFSA (or MASFA) and sign the service/repayment agreement
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application
- Last checked
- October 22, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu) and page 2
The details
Students with a 3.0 GPA in their third and/or fourth year in a state-approved teacher education program in a shortage field get a waiver equal to resident tuition for up to two years (senior year requires a 3.0 junior-year GPA). Recipients must teach one year in a MA public school for each year of waiver within four years of graduating, or repay with interest.
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.