Free Community College

MassReconnect

The MassReconnect Program pays the full costs of community college for adults 25 and older who do not already have a college degree. MassReconnect covers tuition and fees for eligible students, who also receive an allowance to pay for books and supplies.

Massachusetts residents 25 years of age or older can take advantage of this life-changing opportunity to earn an associate degree or certificate for free at one of the Commonwealth's 15 public community colleges.

Eligible individuals must:

• Be 25 or older on the first day of classes
• Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the enrolled term, with an intent to remain in Massachusetts consistent with Board of Higher Education policy
• Have approved eligibility status as a "High School Completer,"* per the Massachusetts tuition equity law,** or be a U.S. Citizen, permanent legal resident, or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations
• Have not previously received an associate or bachelor's degree or the equivalent
• Enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress according to the college's requirements
• Complete the 2023 – 2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

*See Mass Tuition Equity for more details
**Pursuant to Section 9 of Chapter 15A, as amended by Section 11 of Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2023

Please visit MassReconnect Program for more information.

Nursing Scholarship

The Community College Nursing Scholarship is designed for students who intend to enroll in and complete a credential or degree in nursing. The program provides "last dollar" financial assistance to ensure that all eligible students have adequate resources to fully cover the direct costs of tuition and fees towards a certificate or associate degree at a public community college.

Students are eligible for the Community College Nursing Scholarship if they:

• Reside in Massachusetts for at least one year prior to the beginning of the school term and be a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations, or have an approved eligibility status designated by the Board of Higher Education
• Have not earned a prior degree
• Are not in default on any state or federal student loans for attendance at any institution
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually
• Are enrolled full-time or part-time in a nursing program at a community college in Massachusetts
• Meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP)
• Demonstrate unmet need toward the costs of tuition, fees, books and supplies, after all other grant and scholarship aid has been accounted for