Unlocking no-cost community college
$257.5M made no-cost community college available to all Massachusetts residents. No-cost community college allows students from diverse backgrounds to gain the skills and credentials they need to access good jobs and greater economic stability.
"Massachusetts’ community colleges are economic drivers, helping students move ahead in their careers and meeting the needs of our employers." - Governor Maura Healey
With Fair Share support, community college enrollment is growing for the first time since 2014
Impact Spotlight: Krystin’s community college story
Krystin Woodard, a 37-year-old Springfield resident, left high school at 16 and later earned her GED. Over the years, she started college multiple times but had to pause her education due to financial challenges. After hearing about Massachusetts’ no-cost community college programs on the local news and social media, Krystin decided now was her time – and she was right.
Krystin earned her associate degree in liberal arts with honors from Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) alongside her sister, Jada. Together, they broke a barrier by becoming the first in their family to graduate from college. Both sisters completed their degrees with support from Massachusetts’ free community college programs.
“It was amazing, I want to do it all again.” said Krystin of her graduation ceremony. And she will do it all again, because Krystin isn’t stopping at her associate degree. In the fall, she began her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the College of Our Lady of the Elms, and she plans to pursue a master’s degree after that.
“If my journey can encourage even one person to take that leap, it would mean everything to me. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity and for continuing to believe in and uplift students like me. I’m so thankful to be part of this journey.”
Lowering the cost of a four-year degree
$249M funded the expansion of MassGrant Plus to help more students afford the cost of a four-year degree. MassGrant Plus provides financial support for students at state universities and the University of Massachusetts. With support from Fair Share:
- Low-income students now pay zero tuition and fees.
- Middle income students can receive up to a 50% reduction of their out-of-pocket expenses.
- Eligible students can get up to $1,200 for books and supplies.
The chart below shows how Fair Share is supporting more students by expanding MassGrant Plus
Impact Spotlight: Graham’s UMass Dartmouth experience
Graham Kratochwill, a college student from a low-income family, was excited about the quality of the education he would get at UMass Dartmouth, but he was worried about the cost. MassGrant Plus gave him the peace of mind he needed to focus on his studies, rather than worrying about the financial burden.
“Now I don’t need to worry about that at all. I look at my bill – it says zero dollars and zero cents – I owe nothing.”
Video: Education Spotlight: UMass Dartmouth student on how state financial
Skip this video Education Spotlight: UMass Dartmouth student on how state financial .| Last updated: | February 5, 2026 |
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