Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
For Massachusetts 10th and 11th graders who have overcome major adversity: up to 50% of calculated financial need at any college in the continental U.S.
- How much
- up to 50% of calculated financial need per year
- Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). Enrolled in 10th or 11th grade at a MA public or private high school; cumulative GPA 2.5+; difficult personal circumstances, high financial need and strong academic promise. After high school: full-time undergraduate, FAFSA/MASFA annually.
- 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
- Opens later Annual; nominations/application open December 1, close mid-February (2027 cycle: Dec 1, 2026 - Feb 12, 2027).
- How to apply
- Get nominated by your high school or a qualified community organization in 10th or 11th grade
- Nominees receive an email to create an application account
- The 2027 application opens December 1, 2026 and is due February 12, 2027
- What you'll need
- school nomination + state application + FAFSA + transcript
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu), page 2 and page 3
The details
Students are nominated in 10th or 11th grade by a school or qualified community agency. Selected Herter Scholars receive up to 50% of their financial need (Cost of Attendance minus SAI) each year, up to an annual maximum DHE may set, at a college of their choice in the continental U.S. Renewable for up to 8 semesters (bachelor's), 4 (associate) or 2 (certificate) with full-time enrollment, annual FAFSA and transcripts.
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
- 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.