A diverse group of students walk through a hallway on a college campus

MASSGrant Plus

MASSGrant Plus makes public four-year colleges and universities in Massachusetts more affordable

If your family makes approximately $85,000 per year ¹

Whether you are a full- or part-time student enrolling in or attending a public four-year college or university, MASSGrant Plus covers the full cost of your tuition and fees.

While MASSGrant Plus does not include room and board, it can provide funds for other costs to help you complete your degree. It provides an allowance of up to $1,200 for books and supplies.

If your family makes between approximately $85,000 and $100,000 per year ¹

If you are a full-time student, the costs for tuition and fees could be reduced by up to half of your out-of-pocket expenses.

¹This is an estimate based on the adjusted gross income of a family of 4 (meaning your income after things like taxes are removed) and does not include assets (money or property you already have). IMPORTANT: if you are unsure if your family qualifies, please speak with a financial aid counselor. Also, complete the FAFSA or MASFA. Help completing the FAFSA and MASFA is available here.

Student Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for these benefits, you must:

have physically resided 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 (BHE) policy;
enroll, as a matriculated student, in an eligible institution and undergraduate program of study leading to a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree, meeting the minimum credit requirements per term:
- for a student whose family makes less than $85,000 per year before taxes, the minimum is 6 credits per term
- for a student whose family makes between $85,000 and $100,000 per year before taxes, the minimum is 12 credits per term
be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations; or have an approved eligibility status designated by the BHE pursuant to the Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law²;
complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) as applicable for eligible students under the Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law annually;
comply with financial aid verification requirements;
not be in default on any federal or state student loans for attendance at any institution, and not owe a refund for any previous state financial aid program;
have a balance owed to the institution for the costs of tuition, fees, books and supplies after all other grant and scholarship aid has been accounted for;
not have earned a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent; and
meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) according to the institution’s requirements 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.

How To Apply:

Complete and file your FAFSA at Fafsa.gov. Many colleges have resources to help you with this form. Students unable to complete the FAFSA due to citizenship status are encouraged to fill out the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA).

Eligible Institutions

State Universities & University of Massachusetts Campuses

MASSGrant Plus is primarily awarded to students attending the following institutions:

In some cases, students at Massachusetts community colleges, who are eligible for free tuition and fees through MassEducate, may receive funds from MASSGrant Plus as part of their financial aid package.

For More Information

Reach out to your school’s financial aid office for additional information for the application process, or to the Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617) 391-6070.

While MASSGrant Plus and MASSGrant Plus Expansion have separate guidelines, this page summarizes the combined benefits and requirements of the two programs.

Full MASSGrant Plus Guidelines (PDF)

Full MASSGrant Plus Expansion Guidelines (PDF)