Valedictorian Program Tuition Waiver
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check dates
100% tuition waiver at any Massachusetts public college for valedictorians of MA public or private high schools.
- How much
- 100% of tuition at a MA public college
- Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). Designated valedictorian by a MA public or private high school; enrolled in a degree program at a MA public college and meeting its criteria. Not in default on student loans and no state aid refund owed.
- For high school seniors, students starting college
- 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 public college.
- How to apply
- Contact the financial aid office at the public college you plan to attend
- File the FAFSA (or MASFA)
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 24, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu) and page 2
The details
High school valedictorians get a waiver equal to 100% of tuition at a MA public college or university, subject to the institution's criteria (historically used mostly for the UMass University Scholars Program).
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.