GEAR UP Massachusetts Scholarship
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any time
Automatic scholarship (at least the minimum Pell amount) for former GEAR UP Massachusetts participants in college.
- How much
- at least the federal minimum Pell Grant amount per year
- Who qualifies
- Participant in the GEAR UP Massachusetts Early Intervention program in high school
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). Graduated from a MA public high school (2005 or later); under 22 at first award; full- or part-time in a certificate, associate or bachelor's program at an eligible MA (or VT, PA, DC reciprocity) college; satisfactory academic progress. Not in default on student loans and no state aid refund owed.
- 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 Automatic with an annual FAFSA.
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA each year
- Former GEAR UP participants are considered automatically after your college reports your aid
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu) and page 2
The details
For students who took part in the GEAR UP Massachusetts Early Intervention program in high school and graduated from a MA public high school. The scholarship is at least the minimum Pell Grant amount for the year and may combine several state aid programs; up to one year (two semesters). Must be under 22 at first award.
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.