Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Up to $8,100 a year for Massachusetts public school paraprofessionals earning a degree and teaching license; requires 2-4 years of teaching in a MA public school.
- How much
- up to $8,100 per year (UMass/private), $5,940 (state university), $3,780 (community college)
- Who qualifies
- Employed as a paraprofessional in a Massachusetts public school
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). Paraprofessional in a MA public school for at least 2 years and still employed (fewer than 2 years allowed only for math, science, special education, foreign language or bilingual education licensure). Undergraduate program leading to teacher licensure at a MA public or private college (or a community college with an articulation agreement); no prior bachelor's degree; satisfactory academic progress. Service obligation: 2-4 years full-time teaching in a MA public school or repay. Not in default on student loans and no state aid refund owed.
- For undergrads, adults going back to school
- For education, teacher preparation 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)
- When to apply
- Opens later Annual window April 1 - September 1 (2026-27 window closed September 1, 2026).
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA (or MASFA), create a MASSAid Student Portal account, and complete the PTPG application in MASSAid during the April 1 - September 1 window
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu), page 2 and page 3
The details
Per-credit grant by school type: UMass and private colleges $450 per credit (max $8,100 per year); state universities $330 per credit (max $5,940); community colleges $210 per credit (max $3,780). Full- or part-time. Recipients sign terms requiring full-time teaching in a MA public school for 2 to 4 years, or the money must be repaid. Need is not required, but a FAFSA must be filed every year.
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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