Public Service Grant Program

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

The Massachusetts Public Service Grant was established for students who have experienced the loss of a parent and/or spouse who is killed or missing in the line of public service duty in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Public Service Grant Program is the only scholarship program not based on demonstrated financial need, but rather entitlement.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for a Massachusetts Public Service Grant, at 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 full time (at least 12 credits or its equivalent) in a certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree program at an eligible institution.
• Not have received a prior bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
• Be maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with institutional and federal standards.
• Be able to provide the necessary documentation to evidence one of the following conditions:
  • Child or widowed spouse of a Massachusetts Police Officer, Firefighter or Corrections Officer who was killed or died from injuries received while performing his or her duties. This shall also include authorized training duty
  • Child of a Prisoner of War Military Service Person Missing in Action in Southeast Asia whose war time service was credited to the Commonwealth and whose service was between February 1, 1955 and the termination of the Vietnam campaign
  • Child of a Veteran whose service was credited to the Commonwealth and who was killed in action or died as a result of such service

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 or independent college or university in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts which is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and is authorized by the Commonwealth to offer undergraduate degree programs.

Award Amounts

For a student attending a Massachusetts public college or university, the award shall be equal to the cost of the institution's full time annual tuition charges.

For a student attending a Massachusetts Independent College or University, the award shall be equal to the full time annual tuition charge at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

How to Apply

First Time Applications:
All students applying for consideration for a Public Service Grant must complete the following application, returning it and all necessary documentation as stated on the application to OSFA by May 1, 2025:

• First Time Applicant Public Service Grant Application (PDF)
• First Time Applicant Public Service Grant Application (DOC)

Renewal Applications:
To renew your grant each year, please contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance for a renewal application for the Public Service Program or download the current Massachusetts Public Service Grant Program Renewal Application renewal application.

• Public Service Grant Program Renewal Application (PDF)
• Public Service Grant Program Renewal Application (DOC)

Be advised that the Massachusetts Public Service Grant is not automatically renewable. You must reapply each year to receive consideration for the Public Service Grant.

• Massachusetts Public Service Grant Program Procedures and Guidelines (PDF)