Behavioral Health Workforce Scholarship
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Up to $12,500 a year for Massachusetts graduate students in mental health, counseling, social work and related fields who commit to working in high-need behavioral health settings in MA.
- How much
- up to $12,500 per year
- Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). Matriculated (6+ credits) in an approved behavioral health master's or graduate certificate program at an eligible MA institution; satisfactory academic progress. Service obligation in an eligible MA behavioral health setting or repay. Not in default on student loans and no state aid refund owed.
- For grad students
- For behavioral health, mental health counseling, social work 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
- Opens later Annual; 2026-27 application expected to open late fall 2026 with a winter 2027 deadline (2025-26 closed January 20, 2026).
- How to apply
- File the 2026-27 FAFSA (listing MA as your state of residence) or MASFA, then complete the application in the MASSAid Student Portal and upload a transcript showing enrollment in a qualifying program
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application + transcript
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu) and page 2
The details
For master's degree or graduate certificate students (6+ credits) in approved behavioral health programs (mental health counseling, substance use counseling, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, psychoanalysis, social work, clinical/counseling psychology, ABA, art/music/occupational therapy, psychiatric nursing and other listed CIP codes) at participating MA colleges. Covers tuition, fees and stipends up to $12,500 per academic year. Recipients must work in an eligible MA behavioral health setting for 6 months per semester funded, starting within 6 months of finishing; otherwise the scholarship becomes a loan to repay (serviced by ECSI).
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
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