Need-Based Tuition Waiver
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesRenews each year
Partial or full tuition waiver at Massachusetts public colleges for students with financial need.
- How much
- partial or full tuition, set by the college
- Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). At least 3 undergraduate credits per semester in a state-supported degree or certificate program at a MA public college; 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
- Check dates Campus-based; deadlines set by each public college.
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA (or MASFA) and follow your public college's aid process
- The waiver appears on your award letter
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 24, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu) and page 2
The details
Public colleges award need-based tuition waivers as part of the financial aid package (shown on the award letter). Partial or full per campus policy; can't exceed the campus tuition charge or the student's demonstrated need.
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.