Categorical Tuition Waiver (veterans, active military, Native American, seniors 60+, MRC clients)
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Full tuition waiver at Massachusetts public colleges for MA veterans, active-duty service members stationed in MA, Native Americans, residents over 60, and Mass Rehabilitation Commission or Commission for the Blind clients.
- How much
- full tuition for state-supported courses (fees not included)
- Who qualifies
- Massachusetts veteran; active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member stationed and residing in MA; MA Rehabilitation Commission or Commission for the Blind client
- 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 in a state-supported degree or certificate program; satisfactory academic progress. Not in default on student loans and no state aid refund owed.
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
- 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
- Apply any time No deadline; request through the college each term.
- How to apply
- Show proof of eligibility (e.g., discharge papers or orders) to the college's financial aid or veterans' office
- File the FAFSA (or MASFA)
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu), page 2 and page 3
The details
Covers tuition (not fees, unless the campus chooses) for state-supported undergraduate courses at MA community colleges, state universities and UMass, on a space-available basis per campus policy. Eligible categories: veterans as defined in M.G.L. c.4 s.7(43) (including Operation Restore Hope); active members of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed and residing in MA; Native Americans certified by the Bureau of Indian Affairs; persons over 60; clients of the MA Rehabilitation Commission or Commission for the Blind.
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.