Part-Time Grant Program

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

In Massachusetts, as in some other states, the number of part-time students has grown due to changes in demographic and economic conditions. More adults now find themselves needing to return to the classroom on a less than full-time basis. The continuous increase in college costs is also requiring more students to reconsider their enrollment plans and to look at part-time programs as viable alternatives. The Commonwealth has recognized the above needs and established the Part-Time Grant Program to serve as a bridge between higher education opportunities and those segments of the Massachusetts population.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for a Massachusetts Part-Time 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.
• Have applied for financial aid, using the standard Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a FAFSA equivalent application authorized by the Department of Higher Education.
• 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 for at least six (or the equivalent) but fewer than 12 undergraduate credits per academic term in an eligible undergraduate degree program or eligible certificate 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.
• Demonstrate financial aid need as determined by the federal methodology need analysis criteria.

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 defined as a public, private, independent, for profit or non-profit institution in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts authorized to offer undergraduate degrees or certificate programs. The institution must be fully accredited and eligible to participate in the federal Title IV programs.

Award Amounts

Awards range from $200 to a maximum that depends on the type of institution that the student attends.

How to Apply

Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Part-Time Grant Procedures and Guidelines