April 10, 2025
Last August, Karen Araujo, 18, and her family were losing hope she’d be able to attend Framingham State University in the fall. The oldest child of immigrant parents, Karen aspired to be the first in her family to go to college. She said she selected Framingham State for its political science program and campus environment, but the nearly $13,000 bill for the fall semester, which covered tuition, fees, campus housing, and a meal plan, was out of reach.
Then, Karen received her financial aid package. With state and federal financial aid applied, her bill for the semester was less than a third of the initial price tag, at $3,600.
“All the stress melted away,” said Karen, recalling the emotional toll placed on her and her family as they waited to learn whether any costs would be covered.
Karen not only received federal Pell Grants, but she is a beneficiary of the far-reaching state financial aid program called MASSGrant Plus. The program was expanded by the Healey-Driscoll Administration in 2023, offering Pell Grant eligible students free tuition and fees at all public campuses in Massachusetts, and cutting out-of-pocket costs by up to half for middle-income families.
MASSGrant Plus was created for students like Karen, who have the drive and talent to go to college, but whose families lack the significant financial resources that college requires.
“My parents have worked hard all of my life, but college is expensive,” said Karen. “Before we knew it, I was a senior, and I was figuring out how to fill out a college application.”
Karen’s parents did not go to college, and as the oldest child, she has blazed a path for her younger siblings by educating herself on how to navigate the FAFSA and college applications.
MASSGrant Plus has allowed Karen to immerse herself in school while working part-time as a nanny. She has also been able to avoid taking out student loans, and if this level of financial aid continues, she may graduate debt-free.
Her instincts that Framingham State was a good fit have proven true. Karen’s political science studies drew her toward changing her major to pre-law. Just months after questioning whether she would start college in the fall, law school is on the horizon. She has seen the doors of opportunity open in countless ways.
“You make connections and build networks. I’m only a freshman. I can’t even imagine junior year,” she said. Karen wants other students to persist in getting to college, just like she did.
“College is not easy, but it’s worth it,” she said. “Don’t give up on your dreams.”
Students should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible and apply to college. Help completing the FAFSA is available, with resources here and a list of upcoming FAFSA completion events. Students are also encouraged to speak with a school counselor.
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