Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA)
The MASFA will be used by the MA Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) and the college/university to determine a student’s financial aid eligibility for in-state tuition rates and need-based state financial aid. Completing the MASFA does not guarantee access to state financial aid, but it makes all students in Massachusetts eligible for consideration under the same terms.
Who should complete the MASFA?
Students should only complete ONE financial aid application. Complete the MASFA if you are ineligible our unable to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Students are encouraged to use DHE’s FAFSA/MASFA Eligibility Questionnaire to identify which financial aid application to complete.
CAUTION: Failure to comply with this requirement will result in substantial delays to financial aid application processing and may potentially impact the applicant's state financial aid award.
Complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) if you meet ALL of the following criteria:
Please Note: to be eligible for Massachusetts State Financial Aid program, you must also be physically living in Massachusetts for at least 12 months prior to the start of the academic year.
Application Deadlines
2026-2027 MASFA (Academic Year: July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027)
- Complete the 2026-2027 application if you will be enrolled in college during the Fall 2026 and/or Spring 2027, and/or Summer 2027 semester(s)
- Students are encouraged to complete the application by the Massachusetts priority deadline: June 30, 2026
- Application will remain open until June 30, 2027
Please Note: The MASFA is only available electronically. Paper applications are not available.
How Do I Access the MASFA?
- Eligible students must create an account on the MASSAid/MASFA portal to access the 2026-2027 application
- Review the 2026-2027 MASFA Application Guide and FAQ (PDF) for information on account setup and application requirements
- Troubleshooting Tips:
- Use a desktop computer or laptop to create your account (do not use a mobile phone or tablet)
- Microsoft Edge is the preferred browser to use when accessing this platform
- Do not have multiple web browsers or tabs open with the MASFA/MASSAid portal link
- Use a personal email address to create your account (do not use your school or work email address)
- If you need assistance with account creation, contact masfa@dhe.mass.edu
Why Complete the MASFA?
- The application collects information to help determine student eligibility for state and institutional financial aid programs.
- Once your application is complete, it will be processed and shared with the school(s) listed on the application.
- The college is responsible for final determination of eligibility based on your MASFA submission and verification of MA high school completer status.
- You may reach out directly to the college’s financial aid office to obtain more information on your financial aid eligibility, aid options, and any additional steps and/or documentation you may need to provide to the school.
For More Information
For information on the MASFA, contact the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance at masfa@dhe.mass.edu.
Review the following webpages for additional guidance:
