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Free College is Here for All

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and the Legislature have funded free community college for Massachusetts residents who do not hold bachelor’s degrees.

No matter your age or income: community college is now free in Massachusetts!

Admissions Deadlines for 2026

Application Deadline for Spring 2026 is January 13, 2026. Classes start on January 20, 2026.

Free College | Info Sessions

Register for Info Sessions
Tuesday, February 10th at 6:00pm
Wednesday, March 11th at 6:00pm
Thursday, April 9th at 6:00pm
Tuesday, May 12th at 6:00pm
Thursday, June 11th at 6:00pm

Massachusetts residents who have not earned a bachelor's degree may be eligible for Free Community College. Students wishing to begin in the Summer of 2026 must submit their admissions application before May 19, 2026. Students wishing to begin in the Fall of 2026 must submit their admissions application before August 25, 2026. All prospective students must complete and submit the 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid → (FAFSA). The 2026–27 FAFSA form is available now for students to apply for financial aid for the academic year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Follow the steps to create a StudentAid.gov account, have your 2025 tax return handy (if applicable), and asset details; it's crucial to complete it soon to meet deadlines for grants, work-study, and loans, noting that providing IRS data directly saves time.

Contact us to learn more about Free Community College and the eligibility requirements and enrollment process.

 

MassBay Identity Verification Policy

Have Questions?

Please contact the MassBay Admissions Office at admissions@massbay.edu, or call 781-239-2500

YOU qualify for Free College if you:

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Apply to MassBay and enroll in an approved program of study. Application deadlines are May 13 for the Summer session, and August 26 for Fall semester.
  • Have physically resided in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of your first enrolled term.
  • Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent (ED/HiSET).
  • Have *not* completed an bachelor's degree at any college (including outside the United States).
  • Are enrolled in at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the college’s requirements.

The free community college programs MassEducate and MassReconnect are last dollar financial aid grant awards that are applied to a student’s account after all other state and federal financial aid and grants are applied. All students are subject to program guidelines and must maintain eligibility throughout the course of their studies to continue to receive financial aid through MassEducate and MassReconnect. Students who receive MassEducate or MassReconnect awards who are later found to be ineligible, for any reason, may be billed for disbursed funds.

All but three (3) degree and credit-bearing certificates at MassBay are approved for Free College. The programs that are not approved for MassEducate or MassReconnect are: Central Processing Technology, Computed Tomography, and Phlebotomy Technician Certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

MassEducate and MassReconnect allow Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend any of the state’s 15 community colleges and pay no tuition or fees. Both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for certain students.

MassEducate
For any student with no previously earned bachelor’s degree
Covers all course-related tuition and fees for eligible courses
Provides an allowance of up to $1200 per academic year towards books
Provides supplies, and other expenses, based on household income*

MassReconnect
For any student with no previously earned bachelor’s or associate’s degree
Covers all course-related tuition and fees for eligible courses
Provides an allowance of up to $600 per academic year towards books
Provides upplies, and other expenses, regardless of household income*

*Actual allowance amount varies by enrollment.

These programs are available to students who:

  • Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the enrolled term
  • Are either:
  • Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent (GED/HiSET).
  • Are enrolled in at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in accordance with the college’s requirements.

Eligibility for books and supply allowances may differ between programs.

Students may be eligible to earn credit for past work experience or life skills. Learn more about MassBay’s credit for prior learning program.

All students must complete the current FAFSA or MAFSA to be considered eligible for these programs. For the Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 semesters, students must complete the 2024-2025 form; a new financial aid application must be submitted each academic year for continued funding.

Complete your enrollment steps and we’ll take it from there! All residents of Massachusetts who meet the above eligibility criteria have access to tuition- and fee-free community college.

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Apply to MassBay and enroll in an approved program of study. Apply by Tuesday, May 13, 2025 to be eligible for free college this summer and by Tuesday, August 26, 2025 to be eligible for free college this fall. Summer classes start Monday, May 19, 2025; Fall semester classes start Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

All but four (4) degree and credit-bearing certificates at MassBay are approved for free college. The programs that are *not* approved for MassEducate or MassReconnect are: Central Processing Technology, Computed Tomography, Emergency Medical Technician, and Phlebotomy Technician Certificate. Unfortunately, non-credit, community education programs are also not eligible for the free college programs.