MASSGrant
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Need-based state grant of up to $2,590 a year for Pell-eligible Massachusetts undergraduates enrolled full-time.
- How much
- up to $2,590 per year (2026-27; varies by SAI and type of school)
- Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident (physically residing in MA for at least one year before the term starts, with intent to remain). Pell Grant-eligible (MASFA: SAI 14,790 or less). Enrolled full-time (12+ credits) in a certificate, associate or bachelor's program at an eligible MA school (or reciprocity school in VT, PA, DC). 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; state deadline June 30 before the academic year (June 30, 2026 for 2026-27). The 2027-28 deadline is not yet published.
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA (or the MASFA if you can't file a FAFSA) by June 30 for the coming academic year
- No separate application
- OSFA notifies you by email and sends the award to your school
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 20, 2026, against the official page (mass.edu), page 2, page 3 and page 4
The details
Massachusetts' main need-based grant. For 2026-27 a student must be eligible for a federal Pell Grant (MASFA filers: SAI of 14,790 or less). Award depends on Student Aid Index and school type, per the BHE-approved 2026-27 payment schedule: SAI -1,500 to 500 gets $2,590 at a MA private college, UMass or state university, $1,790 at a community college, $1,300 at a nursing school, $1,100 at proprietary/voc-tech schools; amounts step down to $500 for SAI 7,501-14,790; $500 at approved out-of-state schools (reciprocity states VT, PA, DC). Eligibility is limited by semesters: 8 for a four-year bachelor's, 6 for a three-year bachelor's, 4 for an associate degree, 2 for a certificate. Paid to the school in fall and spring installments.
More money from Massachusetts
- 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
- Free Community College (MassEducate and MassReconnect)full tuition and fees at a MA community college, plus up to $1,200 per year for books and supplies for lower-income students
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.