Paul Tsongas Scholarship
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesRenews each year
Full tuition and mandatory fees at a Massachusetts state university for top students (3.75 GPA, 1200+ SAT).
- How much
- full tuition and mandatory fees at a MA state university
- Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). High school GPA 3.75+ and SAT 1200+ (or ACT equivalent); meet the university's criteria; keep a 3.3 GPA to renew. Not in default on student loans and no state aid refund owed.
- For high school seniors, 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)
- When to apply
- Check dates Deadlines set by each state university.
- How to apply
- Contact the state university you plan to attend for its application and deadline
- File the FAFSA (or MASFA)
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + test scores + state application
- Last checked
- October 22, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu) and page 2
The details
Merit waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at one of the eight MA state universities (Bridgewater, Fitchburg, Framingham, MassArt, MCLA, Salem, Westfield, Worcester). Renewable for four years with a 3.3 college GPA. Each state university may award five new Tsongas Scholarships per year, using criteria it sets with BHE approval.
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.