Paul Tsongas Scholarship

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

The Paul Tsongas Scholarship is a merit-based program that rewards Massachusetts students with a grade point average (G.P.A.) of 3.75 and highly competitive Scholastic Aptitude Test (S.A.T.) scores of at least 1200 (or the American College Testing [A.C.T.] equivalent). Eligible students receive a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at a Massachusetts state university.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for a Paul Tsongas Scholarship, 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.
• Meet eligibility criteria established by the state university and approved by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education.

• Maintain a G.P.A. of 3.3 for continued eligibility for the waiver for four years of study.

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

The eight (8) Massachusetts state universities:

• Bridgewater State University
• Fitchburg State University
• Framingham State University
• Massachusetts College of Art and Design
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
• Salem State University
• Westfield State University
• Worcester State University

Award Amounts

Each state college may provide five new Paul Tsongas Scholarship Program Tuition Waivers per academic year.

How to Apply

Contact the Massachusetts state college that you plan to attend for application requirements and deadlines. You can also contact the DHE’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617) 391-6070 to obtain more information.

Tuition Waiver Guidelines