In-Demand Scholarship
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Covers full tuition and fees plus $1,200 for books at Massachusetts public colleges for residents studying state-designated in-demand fields (3.0 GPA).
- How much
- full tuition and fees plus a $1,200 allowance for books and supplies (plus up to $2,500 for summer, if funds remain)
- Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). Admitted to a MA public college or university in a designated in-demand program; college GPA 3.0+ maintained annually; satisfactory academic progress; intend to work in MA. Not in default on student loans and no state aid refund owed.
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students
- For state-designated in-demand professions (EOLWD CIP code list) 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)
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- When to apply
- Check dates Annual, FAFSA-driven; OSFA's page does not publish an application window.
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA (or MASFA) every year, declare an eligible in-demand major, and contact your public college's financial aid office or OSFA at (617) 391-6070
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 22, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu), page 2 and page 3
The details
For undergraduate and graduate students at MA community colleges, state universities and UMass in programs designated as in-demand professions by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (CIP code list, includes education). Can cover full tuition and fees plus a $1,200 books/supplies allowance per academic term; up to $2,500 more for one trailing summer term per year if funds remain. Limits: 8 semesters full-time at a four-year school, 4 at a community college; part-time 12 / 8 semesters (6+ credits); graduate 4 semesters (6+ credits). Awards are prioritized by high financial need, labor demand for the field, and academic achievement, and may be reduced if funding falls short.
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.