Children of Fallen Service Members Waiver
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Full tuition and fees, plus on-campus room and board, at Massachusetts public colleges for children of MA service members who died in armed conflict abroad since 1989.
- How much
- full tuition and fees, plus on-campus room and board for full-time residents
- Who qualifies
- Surviving child of a Massachusetts service member killed in armed conflict outside the U.S. on or after Jan 1, 1989
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). Full- or part-time in an associate or bachelor's program at a MA public college; no prior bachelor's degree; satisfactory academic progress.
- 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)
- When to apply
- Apply any time No deadline; documentation presented to the college.
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA (or MASFA) and give your MA public college DoD form DD 1300 and/or Standard Form 93 showing your parent's death
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu)
The details
For surviving children of active, full-time members of the U.S. armed forces or National Guard who were MA residents and died from injuries sustained, or while deployed in support of military activity, in a zone of armed conflict outside the U.S. on or after January 1, 1989. Covers the full cost of tuition and fees; the college must also provide room and board for full-time students living on campus. Applied after other non-loan aid; up to 130 undergraduate credits.
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.