Free Community College (MassEducate and MassReconnect)
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Free tuition and fees at all 15 Massachusetts community colleges for residents of any age or income, plus up to $1,200 a year for books for lower-income students.
- How much
- full tuition and fees at a MA community college, plus up to $1,200 per year for books and supplies for lower-income students
- Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). Matriculated in a certificate or associate program at one of the 15 MA community colleges, at least 6 credits per term. No bachelor's degree. Comply with verification; 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 FAFSA/MASFA-driven, no state deadline published; awarded each term by the community college.
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA (or MASFA if you can't file a FAFSA) and enroll in at least 6 credits at a Massachusetts community college
- The college's financial aid office applies the award
- No separate application
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu), page 2 and page 3
The details
Last-dollar grant: after federal and state grants, the state pays the rest of tuition and fees for a certificate or associate degree at any MA community college. Students who are Pell-eligible or have an SAI of $20,000 or less can also get an Allowance and Support Award of up to $1,200 a year for books, supplies and other approved costs ($1,200 at 12+ credits, $900 at 9-11, $600 at 6-8, $400 at 5 or fewer; max $600 per semester), and may get a second allowance of up to $1,200 through MASSGrant Plus. Limits: associate degree 6 semesters full-time / 10 part-time; certificate 4 / 8; EMT and paramedic courses 2 semesters (EMT/paramedic students are exempt from the 6-credit and no-prior-degree rules). A student with one associate degree can get help for one more associate degree. Summer may be covered if funds allow.
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.