Career Advancement Program Tuition Waiver
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesRenews each year
One free state-supported graduate course per year for Massachusetts public school teachers in their first three years.
- How much
- up to three tuition-free state-supported graduate courses, one for each of their first three years of teaching; approximately $300 per course
- Who qualifies
- Massachusetts public school teacher in first three years of teaching
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). Passed all three components of the Massachusetts Teachers Test. Not in default on student loans and no state aid refund owed.
- For grad 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 the state university or UMass campus you will attend
- Provide proof of teaching and passing MTEL results
- What you'll need
- See how to apply
- Last checked
- October 29, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu) and page 2
The details
Teachers who passed all three parts of the Massachusetts Teachers Test get tuition waived for one state-supported graduate course (education or the teacher's subject) for each of their first three years of teaching, at a MA state university or UMass. Use within two years of the qualifying teaching year.
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.