Massachusetts scholarships and grants
Every program the state of Massachusetts runs for students, checked against its official page. For a list matched to you, answer a few questions.
Show service scholarships (5) These pay for school in exchange for working in a job or place afterward.
Open to most students
Commonwealth Commitment
tuition and fees frozen + 10% rebate each semester + MassTransfer tuition creditMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeFrozen tuition and fees plus a 10% rebate every semester for Massachusetts students who start at a community college and finish a bachelor's at a state university or UMass on time with a 3.0 GPA.
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
- Needs a 3+ GPA
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Community College Nursing Scholarship
remaining tuition, fees, books and supplies after other grantsMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeCovers remaining tuition, fees, books and supplies for Massachusetts residents in nursing programs at the state's community colleges.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- For nursing, nursing assistant, patient care technician students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
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 studentsMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeFree tuition and fees at all 15 Massachusetts community colleges for residents of any age or income, plus up to $1,200 a year for books for lower-income students.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
John and Abigail Adams Scholarship
tuition credit: up to resident tuition at state universities/community colleges; $1,417-$1,714 at UMass campusesMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeAutomatic tuition credit for up to 8 semesters at Massachusetts public colleges for high MCAS scorers (top 25% of their district).
- What it takes: FAFSA + test scores
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
MassTransfer Tuition Credit
tuition credit (value varies by campus) for two yearsMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeTuition credit for two years at a Massachusetts state university or UMass for community college graduates (3.0 GPA) who completed an A2B transfer pathway.
- What it takes: transcript
- For transfer students, undergrads
- Needs a 3+ GPA
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant
$200 to $2,500 per yearMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesNeed-based grant of $200-$2,500 a year for Massachusetts students at participating private colleges and nursing schools in the state.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Graduate Tuition Waiver
set by the institutionMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesTuition waivers for graduate students at Massachusetts state universities and UMass, awarded by each school.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For grad students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
In-Demand Scholarship
full tuition and fees plus a $1,200 allowance for books and supplies (plus up to $2,500 for summer, if funds remain)Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesCovers full tuition and fees plus $1,200 for books at Massachusetts public colleges for residents studying state-designated in-demand fields (3.0 GPA).
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- For state-designated in-demand professions (EOLWD CIP code list) students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Massachusetts Access (Cash) Grant
up to the school's tuition and fees for the award period (set by the college)Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesNeed-based grant at Massachusetts public colleges that helps pay mandatory fees and other charges not covered by tuition waivers.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Massachusetts Part-Time Grant
$200 up to a maximum that depends on the type of schoolMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesNeed-based grant (from $200) for Massachusetts undergraduates enrolled part-time (6-11 credits).
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For undergrads, adults going back to school
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Need-Based Tuition Waiver
partial or full tuition, set by the collegeMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesPartial or full tuition waiver at Massachusetts public colleges for students with financial need.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Paul Tsongas Scholarship
full tuition and mandatory fees at a MA state universityMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesFull tuition and mandatory fees at a Massachusetts state university for top students (3.75 GPA, 1200+ SAT).
- What it takes: FAFSA + test scores + state application
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- Needs a 3.75+ GPA
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery Tuition Credit
tuition credit at MA public colleges ($1,417-$1,714 at UMass campuses)Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesMerit tuition credit at Massachusetts public colleges for high school students who earn the Certificate of Mastery (strong MCAS plus AP/SAT Subject or other achievements).
- What it takes: state application + test scores + FAFSA
- For high school seniors
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
State University Internship Incentive Program
up to $5,000 per internship (one award per student)Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesStipend of up to $5,000 for Massachusetts state university students in for-credit internships (3.0 GPA).
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For undergrads
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Valedictorian Program Tuition Waiver
100% of tuition at a MA public collegeMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check dates100% tuition waiver at any Massachusetts public college for valedictorians of MA public or private high schools.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For high school seniors, students starting college
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Washington Center Program Tuition Waiver
tuition and mandatory fees waived plus a $2,000 housing scholarshipMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesTuition and fee waiver plus a $2,000 housing scholarship for Massachusetts public college students doing a Washington Center internship in D.C.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For undergrads
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
MASSGrant
up to $2,590 per year (2026-27; varies by SAI and type of school)Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Opens laterNeed-based state grant of up to $2,590 a year for Pell-eligible Massachusetts undergraduates enrolled full-time.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
- Usual timing: 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.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship
up to 50% of calculated financial need per yearMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Opens laterFor Massachusetts 10th and 11th graders who have overcome major adversity: up to 50% of calculated financial need at any college in the continental U.S.
- What it takes: school nomination + state application + FAFSA + transcript
- Needs a 2.5+ GPA
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
- Usual timing: Annual; nominations/application open December 1, close mid-February (2027 cycle: Dec 1, 2026 - Feb 12, 2027).
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
MASSGrant Plus
remaining tuition and fees at a public four-year college, plus up to $1,200 per year for books and supplies (families up to ~$85,000); up to half of out-of-pocket tuition and fees for families ~$85,000-$100,000Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Opens laterCovers remaining tuition and fees at Massachusetts public four-year colleges for lower-income students, plus up to $1,200 a year for books and supplies.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
- Usual timing: Annual, FAFSA/MASFA-driven; 2026-27 guidelines require filing by June 30, 2026.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
For specific students
Military families, foster youth, certain careers and more. Each card says who qualifies.
Massachusetts Public Service Grant
full-time annual tuition at a MA public college; UMass Amherst tuition equivalent at a MA independent collegeMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Open now · due May 1, 2027Covers tuition for children or surviving spouses of Massachusetts police, firefighters or corrections officers killed in the line of duty, and children of MA veterans killed in action or POW/MIA.
- Who it's for: Child or surviving spouse of a MA police officer, firefighter or corrections officer killed in the line of duty; child of a MA-credited POW/MIA (Southeast Asia, Feb 1, 1955 through the Vietnam campaign); or child of a MA-credited veteran killed in action or who died from that service
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Categorical Tuition Waiver (veterans, active military, Native American, seniors 60+, MRC clients)
full tuition for state-supported courses (fees not included)Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeFull tuition waiver at Massachusetts public colleges for MA veterans, active-duty service members stationed in MA, Native Americans, residents over 60, and Mass Rehabilitation Commission or Commission for the Blind clients.
- Who it's for: Massachusetts veteran; active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member stationed and residing in MA; MA Rehabilitation Commission or Commission for the Blind client
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Children of Fallen Service Members Waiver
full tuition and fees, plus on-campus room and board for full-time residentsMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeFull tuition and fees, plus on-campus room and board, at Massachusetts public colleges for children of MA service members who died in armed conflict abroad since 1989.
- Who it's for: Surviving child of a Massachusetts service member killed in armed conflict outside the U.S. on or after Jan 1, 1989
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Commonwealth September 11, 2001 Tragedy Tuition Waiver
100% of resident tuitionMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any time100% tuition waiver at Massachusetts public colleges for children and surviving spouses of Massachusetts residents killed in the 9/11 attacks.
- Who it's for: Child or surviving spouse of a Massachusetts resident who died (or is presumed dead) as a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
DCF Adopted Child Tuition Waiver and Fee Assistance
100% of resident tuition and fees for state-supported coursesMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any time100% of tuition and fees at Massachusetts public colleges for students age 24 or under who were adopted through DCF by a MA resident or state employee.
- Who it's for: Adopted from DCF custody by an eligible Massachusetts resident or state employee
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
DCF Foster Child Tuition Waiver and Fee Assistance
100% of resident tuition and fees for state-supported coursesMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any time100% of tuition and fees at Massachusetts public colleges for current and former foster youth age 24 or under who were in state custody and not adopted or returned home.
- Who it's for: Current or former Massachusetts foster youth (DCF custody before 18; not adopted or returned home, or DCF-sponsored guardianship)
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
GEAR UP Massachusetts Scholarship
at least the federal minimum Pell Grant amount per yearMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeAutomatic scholarship (at least the minimum Pell amount) for former GEAR UP Massachusetts participants in college.
- Who it's for: Participant in the GEAR UP Massachusetts Early Intervention program in high school
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Massachusetts National Guard Tuition and Fee Waiver
100% of tuition and fees at MA public colleges (up to 130 credits)Massachusetts National Guard (Military Division) with the Department of Higher Education
Apply any time100% tuition and fee waiver at Massachusetts public colleges for members of the Massachusetts Army and Air National Guard, up to 130 credits.
- Who it's for: Member of the Massachusetts Army or Air National Guard in good standing (or specified dependent under the Family Education Program)
- What it takes: membership
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Foster Child Grant
up to $6,000 per yearMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesUp to $6,000 a year for Massachusetts foster youth with a DCF care agreement past age 18, at colleges anywhere in the continental U.S.
- Who it's for: Current or former Massachusetts foster youth (DCF custody via Care and Protection Petition) with a signed DCF agreement for services beyond 18
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Career Advancement Program Tuition Waiver
tuition for one graduate course per year (up to three)Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesOne free state-supported graduate course per year for Massachusetts public school teachers in their first three years.
- Who it's for: Massachusetts public school teacher in first three years of teaching
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For grad students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Collaborative Teachers Tuition Waiver
tuition for one graduate course per student teacher mentoredMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesOne free graduate course per student teacher mentored, for Massachusetts public school teachers who mentor student teachers from public colleges.
- Who it's for: Massachusetts public school teacher mentoring a public-college student teacher
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For grad students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
High Technology Scholar/Intern Tuition Waiver
matches industry scholarships up to resident undergraduate tuitionMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesState matches an employer-funded scholarship with a full tuition waiver for computer science, IT and engineering students at Massachusetts public colleges.
- Who it's for: Selected by a participating company for an industry scholarship/internship
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- For computer science, information technology, engineering students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Massachusetts College Housing Scholarship Program
year-round on-campus housing and meals plus support servicesMassachusetts Department of Higher Education (Massachusetts Housing Scholarship Program)
Check datesYear-round dorm housing and meals, plus case management and help with books and transportation, for students under 25 experiencing homelessness at participating MA public colleges.
- Who it's for: Student under 25 experiencing homelessness
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
One Family Scholarship Program
tuition, fees and related living expenses, up to cost of attendanceMassachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesCovers tuition, fees and living costs for Massachusetts single heads of household who are homeless or at risk, through One Family, Inc.
- Who it's for: Head of household with children under 18; homeless within the past 12 months or at risk of homelessness; active One Family, Inc. participant
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Title IV-eligible noncitizen; or a state-approved eligibility status under the Massachusetts tuition equity law (MASFA filers)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.