Early Childhood Educators Scholarship
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Per-credit scholarship (up to $6,750 per semester) for current and future Massachusetts early childhood and out-of-school-time educators earning a certificate, degree or master's.
- How much
- up to $750 per credit, max $6,750 per semester (UMass/private); $4,950 (state university); $3,150 (community college)
- Who qualifies
- Employed (or seeking employment) in an EEC-licensed or funded Massachusetts early education and care program
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). Enrolled full- or part-time in an approved certificate, first bachelor's, or master's program at an eligible MA college; active EEC PQ Registry number. Work commitment in MA early education and care after completing the degree or repay. Not in default on student loans and no state aid refund owed.
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
- For early childhood education, child development, family studies 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 window April 1 - September 1 (2026-27 window closed September 1, 2026).
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA (or MASFA), get an EEC Professional Qualifications Registry number, and complete the ECE Scholarship application in the MASSAid Student Portal during the April 1 - September 1 window
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu), page 2 and page 3
The details
For educators working in EEC-licensed or funded early education and care programs (family child care, centers, out-of-school time, residential programs) or 'prospective students' seeking such work (one-time; must find eligible work within a year). Covers up to three courses per semester (fall, spring, summer): UMass and private colleges $750 per credit (max $6,750 per semester); state universities $550 per credit (max $4,950); community colleges $350 per credit (max $3,150). Public school jobs do not count. Recipients agree to keep working in MA early education and care or repay.
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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