Graduate Tuition Waiver

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

The Graduate Tuition Waiver is another component of the Single Tuition Waiver program that provides incentives to individuals to enroll in graduate programs at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. It is the underlying principle of the Graduate Tuition Waiver policy that, by providing these incentives, the public higher education system will continue to improve student quality and maintain the collaboration that is necessary to the efficiency and effectiveness of the system.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for a Graduate Tuition Waiver, 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.
• Be enrolled in an eligible program and meeting the criteria established by the institution.
• Not be in default of any federal or state loan or owe a refund on any previously received financial aid.

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 is within the system of public higher education under section 5 of Chapter 15A of the General Laws, excluding community colleges.

Award Amounts

To be determined by the institution.

How to Apply

Contact the financial aid office at the institution you are attending or plan to attend for application requirements or deadlines. You can also call the DHE’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617) 391-6070 to obtain more information.

Tuition Waiver Guidelines