Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesRenews each year
Need-based grant of $200-$2,500 a year for Massachusetts students at participating private colleges and nursing schools in the state.
- How much
- $200 to $2,500 per year
- Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). Full-time (12+ credits) at a participating independent MA college or accredited nursing school; no prior bachelor's or professional degree or nursing diploma; satisfactory academic progress; financial need. 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)
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Check dates Campus-based; deadlines set by each participating college.
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA (or MASFA) and follow your college's financial aid application and deadlines
- The college awards it
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 24, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu)
The details
State funds sent to participating independent (private, non-public) Massachusetts colleges and hospital/professional nursing schools, which award them to Massachusetts undergraduates with financial need. Awards range from $200 to $2,500 per academic year. The college decides who gets it and how much.
More money from Massachusetts
- MASSGrantup to $2,590 per year (2026-27; varies by SAI and type of school)
- 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
- Free Community College (MassEducate and MassReconnect)full tuition and fees at a MA community college, plus up to $1,200 per year for books and supplies for lower-income students
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.