What is the Tuition-Free Community College program?
College is too important to be limited to those who can afford it. That’s why the City of Boston has committed to pay for up to three years of college for all Boston residents pursuing an associate degree or short certificate through its Tuition-Free Community College (TFCC) Plan.
Beginning in Fall 2023, the City of Boston is expanding eligibility TFCC to include all Boston residents regardless of age, income, or immigration status (except international students on F or J visas.) MassBay is one of six participating schools.
TFCC pays:
- All tuition and manditory fees remaining after financial aid has been applied.
- $250 each semester for up to three years of college-releated expenses such as books or transportation.
- Debt of up to $2,500 for students with an outstanding balance at a partner college that is preventing a student from re-enrolling at that college.
- TFCC provides funding for up to three years, including summer semester.
What is the Boston Bridge?
The Boston Bridge program is helps students afford the final two years of their bachelor’s degree at a four-year college. It pays all tuition and manditory fees remaining after any other applicable financial aid has been applied.
What are the benefits of Tuition-Free Community College (TFCC)?
TFCC pays:
- All tuition and manditory fees remaining after financial aid has been applied.
- $250 each semester for up to three years of college-releated expenses such as books or transportation.
- Debt of up to $2,500 for students with an outstanding balance at a partner college that is preventing a student from re-enrolling at that college.TFCC provides funding for up to three years, including summer semester.
What are the benefits of the Boston Bridge?
As a TFCC student, you will earn:
- A financial contribution each semester to help with school-related expenses, including a minimum $250 stipend
- Complete payment of your tuition and mandatory fees during the final two years of your bachelor’s degree.
How do I become eligible for Tuition-Free Community College?
All Boston residents are eligible for TFCC funds regardless of age, income or immigration status (except not international students on F or J visas).
To enroll in TFCC, you must:
- Be a Boston resident (and not an international student on an F or J visa)
- Enroll in an associate degree program or short-term certificate program at a partner college.
- Complete the FAFSA*
*Students who are undocumented, DACA students, or have TPS, do not need to complete the FAFSA to receive financial support through TFCC. All Boston residents regardless of citizenship status (except for international students on an F or J visa) are eligible for TFCC.
How do I become eligible for the Boston Bridge?
- Meet the requirements of the Tuition-Free Community College Plan
- Have no more than 15 community college credits to start
- Finish your associate degree in 2.5 years
- Finish your bachelor’s degree in another 2 years
- Attend school continuously, full-time
- Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA
- Commit to one of 16 popular majors
- Attend MassBay
Which majors can I pursue as a Boston Bridge student?
Use this helpful interactive guide to learn which associate degrees can lead into which bachelor’s degrees at particular four-year colleges.
Which four-year colleges can I transfer to as a Boston Bridge student?
You can attend any UMass campus or Massachusetts state university. See the list below or this map of UMass campuses and state universities.
UMass-Amherst
UMass-Boston
UMass-Dartmouth
UMass-Lowell
Bridgewater State University
Fitchburg State University
Framingham State University
Massachusetts College of Art & Design (MassArt)
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Salem State University
Westfield State University
Worcester State University
When should I enroll in the Boston Bridge?
You should apply for the Boston Bridge at the same time that you enroll in the Tuition-Free Community College Plan. If you are worried about meeting the Boston Bridge eligibility requirements, just know that there is no extra penalty for enrolling and then falling short of those requirements. You would simply no longer be enrolled in the program. (However, you may remain in the Tuition-Free Community College Plan for as long as you meet its eligibility requirements.)
How do I apply to the Boston Bridge?
Once you are enrolled as a Tuition-Free Community College student, ask your Academic Advisor for a Commonwealth Comittment form. It's short and simple!
Questions?
For more information or questions, refer to the City of Boston's FAQ, or contact our Office of Admissions at admissions@massbay.edu or 781-239-2500 or The City of Boston at their helpline at 3-1-1. or TuitionFree@boston.gov