In-State Tuition Rates and Massachusetts State Financial Aid

Massachusetts residents that attend Massachusetts public community colleges and state universities (M.G.L. c.15A, section 5) can benefit both from discounted tuition rates, and from state-funded grant, scholarship, and loan programs.

In-State Tuition Rates

In-state tuition rates are not financial aid. In-state tuition rates are discounted tuition rates that charge Massachusetts residents less to attend college. Massachusetts residents can be eligible to receive these discounted tuition rates regardless of whether they apply for federal or state financial aid. The in-state tuition rates result in less charges on a student's account and total cost of attendance than if they were charged the full cost of tuition.

To access in-state tuition rates at Massachusetts public community colleges, state universities, and the University of Massachusetts, there are two pathways:

• Massachusetts High School Completer Status (M.G.L. c. 15A, § 9 par. 5)
  • Attend high school in Massachusetts for at least 3 years
  • Earn a high school diploma or alternative (e.g., HiSET, GED) in Massachusetts
  • Submit required documentation to the institution
• Board of Higher Education Residency Status Policy
  • Reside in Massachusetts for at least one year (with parent or legal guardian, if dependent)
  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful immigrant ( BHE Motion FAAP 07-24); or authorized by the federal government to live and work in the United States on a temporary or permanent basis ( BHE Motion FAAP 16-20)
  • Submit required documentation to the institution

Massachusetts State Financial Aid

To apply for state financial aid, students should complete one of the following applications:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Most students should complete this form, unless they are ineligible or unable to complete the FAFSA.
• Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA)
  • Complete this form only if you:
    • Are ineligible or unable to complete the FAFSA; and
    • Are not present in the United States on a visa or immigration status within the meaning of 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(15)(A-S); and
    • Attended 3 years of high school in Massachusetts; and
    • Earned a Massachusetts high school diploma or alternative (e.g., GED, HiSET)

Additional Resources

For general questions regarding in-state tuition and state financial aid eligibility, please contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at 617-391-6070 or osfa@osfa.mass.edu.

For questions regarding eligibility and documentation requirements for High School Completer Status, please review our FAQ page, or email tuitionequity@dhe.mass.edu.

If students have any questions regarding their immigration status or eligibility for in-state tuition or state financial aid, they should meet with a trusted, experienced immigration attorney. Local resources such as these cited below may be helpful. If students cannot access an attorney immediately, they are advised to please speak to a trusted advisor on campus:

• Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants
• NPNA Legal Services Collective Directory
• A directory of non-profit legal services providers across the country.