Cash Grant Program

*The following is a brief description for students. Institutions should refer to the most recent guidelines for information.

The Cash Grant Program is a complementary program to the Need-Based Tuition Waiver Program. It helps needy students by awarding grant money to cover additional charges such as mandatory fees and non-state-supported tuition. Since its inception, the Cash Grant has been used in campus-based financial aid packaging strategies to support those individuals who would otherwise be denied the opportunity for higher education.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for a Massachusetts Cash Grant, a student must:

• 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; and
• Have approved eligibility status as a “High School Completer,” ¹ per the Massachusetts tuition equity law, ² or be a U.S. Citizen, permanent legal resident, or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations.
• Not be in default of any federal or state Student Loans for attendance at any institution or owe a refund for any previous financial aid received.
• Be enrolled in at least three undergraduate credits per semester in an eligible program.
• Not have received a prior bachelor’s degree or professional degree or their equivalent.
• Be maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with institutional and federal standards.

¹ See www.mass.edu/tuitionequity for more details.

² Pursuant to Section 9 of Chapter 15A, as amended by Section 11 of Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2023.

Eligible Institutions

An eligible institution shall mean an institution within the system of public institutions of higher education under section 5 of Chapter 15A of the General Laws.

Award Amounts

An individual Cash Grant award for an academic period may not exceed the combined institutional tuition and fees charged for the award period.

How to Apply

Contact your financial aid office for application requirements and deadlines. You may also call the DHE’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617) 391-6070 for additional information.

Cash Grant Procedures and Guidelines