Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery Tuition Credit
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Merit tuition credit at Massachusetts public colleges for high school students who earn the Certificate of Mastery (strong MCAS plus AP/SAT Subject or other achievements).
- How much
- tuition credit at MA public colleges ($1,417-$1,714 at UMass campuses)
- Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). Enrolled in a MA public high school; MCAS and achievement criteria above; 3.3 college GPA to renew.
- For high school seniors
- 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
- Check dates Must apply while enrolled in high school; application timing set by DESE/high school coordinators.
- How to apply
- Get the application from your high school's Koplik coordinator or DESE (Koplik@doe.mass.edu, 781-338-3581) while still in high school
- File the FAFSA (or MASFA)
- What you'll need
- state application + test scores + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu) and page 2
The details
MA public high school students who score Advanced on at least one grade 10 MCAS subject and Proficient on the rest, plus two achievements covering both arts/humanities and math/science (AP exams scored 3+, SAT II exams, or other recognized achievements), earn a tuition credit at state universities and community colleges; at UMass it is valued at $1,714 (Amherst), $1,714 (Boston), $1,417 (Dartmouth), $1,454 (Lowell). Keep a 3.3 GPA to renew. Can't be combined with other tuition credits.
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
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