Massachusetts Financial Aid
State grants, eligibility, deadlines, and strategies for Massachusetts students
Massachusetts offers need-based aid through the MASSGrant program and supports community college transfer through MassTransfer. While the state has many prestigious private institutions, state aid is primarily available for students attending public colleges and universities in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts grant programs
MASSGrant
Need-basedUp to approximately $2,300/year at UMass; up to $1,800/year at state universities; up to $1,200/year at community colleges
Eligibility
- Massachusetts resident for at least one year
- Demonstrate financial need via FAFSA (EFC must fall within eligibility range)
- Enrolled full-time at a Massachusetts public institution
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Deadline: FAFSA priority deadline: May 1
Official info →MASSGrant Plus
Need-basedVaries — supplements MASSGrant for community college students to cover remaining tuition and fees
Eligibility
- Massachusetts resident
- Enrolled at a Massachusetts community college
- Pell Grant eligible (as determined by FAFSA)
- File the FAFSA
Deadline: Rolling — apply through your community college
Official info →Tips for maximising Massachusetts aid
MASSGrant Plus can make Massachusetts community colleges essentially free for Pell-eligible students — file the FAFSA to see if you qualify.
MassTransfer provides a tuition discount and guaranteed admission when transferring from a community college to a Massachusetts state university or UMass — plan your associate's degree to align with the transfer pathway.
The FAFSA priority deadline for Massachusetts state aid is May 1, but file much earlier to maximize your chances of receiving full funding.
Educational guide only. State aid programs, amounts, and deadlines change annually. Always verify current information directly with Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) and your college's financial aid office before making decisions.
Put this into action
Find colleges in Massachusetts that fit your budget, or learn more about the FAFSA process.