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Financial Aid

How To Apply For Financial Aid

Applying for Financial Aid

We want to make sure all students have access to financial aid. To apply, fill out the FAFSA form. It helps determine if you're eligible for federal and state aid. Remember to include "MassBay Community College" and our code (002171) when you fill out the form.

It's best to complete the FAFSA by May 1 each year. Doing so means you'll be considered for all types of financial aid. But if you miss that date, don't worry! You can still apply. Just do it as soon as you can. There are different types of aid available throughout the year.

Keep in mind, it might take 6–8 weeks to review your eligibility once you submit the FAFSA. And there's no guarantee you'll qualify. If you're not eligible, you'll need to arrange a payment plan with the college.

You need to apply for financial aid every academic year. It's recommended to do it online because it's quicker and there are prompts to guide you through the process.

Not eligible to complete the FAFSA?

Students who are not eligible to file the FAFSA and are approved "High School Completers[SJ1] " under the Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law should complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA).

The MASFA allows eligible students to be considered for Massachusetts state financial aid programs, including the free community college program (MassEducate and MassReconnect).

Complete one application only:

  • FAFSA (for students eligible to file the FAFSA), or
  • MASFA (for eligible students not able to file the FAFSA)

Learn more and apply at: https://www.mass.edu/tuitionequity/home.asp 

Steps in the Application Process

  1. When applying for FAFSA online, you'll need a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID to sign and process your application.
  2. To apply for financial aid, complete the FAFSA if you are eligible to file it. To complete your FAFSA, go to studentaid.gov (Spanish available). The FAFSA gathers details about your income, your parents' income if needed, assets, household size, and uses a formula to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid. Make sure to include MassBay Community College's Federal School Code 002171 on your application so we can receive your information.

    If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA, please complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). The MASFA allows certain Massachusetts students who are not eligible to file the FAFSA to be considered for Massachusetts state financial aid programs, including the free community college programs (MassEducate and MassReconnect). Learn more about MASFA and apply through the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.

    You should complete only one application: FAFSA or MASFA.
  3. When MassBay receives your FAFSA or MASFA information, we will notify you through your MassBay student account and email if additional information is required to complete the financial aid process. We review applications for completeness and eligibility, and we may need to verify or correct information before determining financial aid eligibility.
  4. Once we've reviewed your application and you meet all requirements, we will send you an award notification. The award letter shows estimated aid based on full-time enrollment (12+ credits). You will be able to view your award letter through Bay Navigator. Aid adjustments are made once we confirm your actual enrollment. Please note that audited classes and Challenge Exams are not covered by financial aid.
  5. You may be eligible to receive a Book Voucher if your financial aid exceeds your tuition and fees. The Book Voucher may only be used at the College Bookstore. You can request a Book Voucher through Bay Navigator and, if eligible, you will receive an email notification when the voucher is available.
    1. You may be eligible for a Book Allowance through the Massachusetts free community college program depending on your Student Aid Index (SAI), and that allowance will be reflected on your award letter. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or MASFA (Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid), as applicable
  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
  • Be enrolled and accepted into a degree granting or eligible certificate program
  • Meet federal or state citizenship/eligibility requirements for the financial aid being requested
  • Be in good academic standing
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward completion of your academic program
  • Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan or owe a repayment on a federal grant (for federal financial aid applicants)

How to Understand the FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)

  • FAFSA Submission Summary—an electronic or paper document that summarizes the information you reported on your FAFSA form.
  • If you have a Student Aid account and your FAFSA information has been processed, you can view your online FAFSA Submission Summary regardless of the method (online or on a FAFSA PDF) you used to file a FAFSA form.
  • View your online FAFSA Submission Summary by:
    • logging in to your Student Aid account Dashboard,
    • selecting your processed FAFSA submission from the “My Activity” section, and
    • selecting “View FAFSA Submission Summary.”
  • Use the checklist and comments under the “Next Steps” tab to make sure all your issues are resolved. If you need assistance, contact the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend.
  • If you don’t have any changes to make to the information listed on your FAFSA Submission Summary, just keep it for your records.

Do you need FAFSA or MASFA Assistance?

Help with the FAFSA or MASFA .