MASSGrant Plus
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Covers remaining tuition and fees at Massachusetts public four-year colleges for lower-income students, plus up to $1,200 a year for books and supplies.
- How much
- remaining tuition and fees at a public four-year college, plus up to $1,200 per year for books and supplies (families up to ~$85,000); up to half of out-of-pocket tuition and fees for families ~$85,000-$100,000
- Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). Enrolled (matriculated) in a certificate, associate or bachelor's program at a MA public college: 6+ credits if family income under ~$85,000, 12+ credits if ~$85,000-$100,000. Must still owe tuition/fees/books after other grants. No prior bachelor's degree; 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)
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Opens later Annual, FAFSA/MASFA-driven; 2026-27 guidelines require filing by June 30, 2026.
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA (or MASFA) each year
- No separate application
- Your public college's financial aid office packages the award
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 20, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu), page 2 and page 3
The details
Last-dollar program for students at the state universities and UMass campuses. Families earning about $85,000 or less a year (full- or part-time, 6+ credits): MASSGrant Plus covers all remaining tuition and fees after other non-loan aid, plus an Allowance and Support Award of up to $1,200 a year for books, supplies and other approved costs ($1,200 at 12+ credits, $900 at 9-11, $600 at 6-8; max $600 per semester). Families earning about $85,000-$100,000 (MASSGrant Plus Expansion, full-time only): tuition and fees can be cut by up to half of out-of-pocket costs. Room and board are not covered. Community college students on Free Community College may also get a second allowance of up to $1,200 from MASSGrant Plus. Semester limits: bachelor's 10 full-time / 14 part-time; associate 6 / 10; certificate 4 / 8.
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.