Free Community College

In Massachusetts, we've made community college tuition and fee free for all students through MassReconnect and MassEducate.

Learn About Free Community College in Massachusetts

Building on the success of MassReconnect, which made community college free for students 25 years and older, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and state Legislature made public community college free for students of any age and income in Massachusetts.

MassEducate covers the full cost of tuition and fees for all eligible students. Students may qualify for an allowance of up to $1,200 for books and supplies based on income level. Some students may also be eligible for an additional allowance (up to $1,200) to help with other costs of attending college.

Reach out to the community college where you are enrolled or intend to enroll. Their financial aid office can help you find out what you are eligible for in addition to free tuition and fees.

Determine your eligibility

To be eligible for free community college in Massachusetts you must:

• Enroll as a full-time or part-time student in one of Massachusetts' 15 public community colleges with a high school diploma (or equivalent),
• Enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate,
• Have not earned a prior bachelor’s degree (or the equivalent),
• Live in Massachusetts for at least one year with an intent to stay in the state,
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress according to the college’s requirements, AND
• Not be in default on any federal or state educational loan.

How to apply

To attend a state community college for free:

• Complete and file your FAFSA. Many community colleges have resources to help you with this form.
  • Eligible, non-U.S. citizens can apply for state financial aid at Massachusetts public higher education institutions through the MASFA (Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid). Complete that instead of the FAFSA.
• Enroll at a Massachusetts community college at any time. MassEducate awards will be made directly by the community colleges at the point of enrollment throughout the academic year.
• Reach out to your local community college to learn more.

Community Colleges in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has 15 public community colleges – and through MassEducate you can attend any one of them if you are eligible and have completed the college's application and filled out your FAFSA or MASFA.

• Berkshire Community College 
  1350 West Street, Pittsfield, MA | Phone: [phone]

• Bristol Community College 
  777 Elsbree Street, Fall River, MA | Phone: [phone] 
  800 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 | Phone: [phone] 
  2 Hamilton Street, Taunton, MA 02780 | Phone: [phone] 
  11 Field Road, Attleboro, MA 02703 | Phone: [phone]

• Bunker Hill Community College 
  250 New Rutherford Avenue, Boston, MA | Phone: [phone] 
  70 Everett Avenue, Chelsea, MA 02150-2917 | Phone: [phone]

• Cape Cod Community College 
  2240 Iyannough Road, West Barnstable, MA | Phone: [phone]

• Greenfield Community College 
  1 College Drive, Greenfield, MA | Phone: [phone] 

• Holyoke Community College 
  303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA | Phone: [phone] 

• Massasoit Community College 
  1 Massasoit Boulevard, Brockton, MA | Phone: [phone] 
  900 Randolph Street, Canton, MA | Phone: [phone]

• MassBay Community College 
  50 Oakland Street, Wellesley, MA | Phone: [phone] 
  490 Franklin Street, Framingham, MA | Phone: [phone]

• Middlesex Community College 
  591 Springs Road, Bedford, MA | Phone: [phone] 
  33 Kearney Square, Lowell, MA | Phone: [phone]

• Mount Wachusett Community College 
  444 Green Street, Gardner, MA | Phone: [phone]

• Northern Essex Community College 
  100 Elliott Street, Haverhill, MA | Phone: [phone] 
  45 Franklin Street, Lawrence, MA | Phone: [phone]

• North Shore Community College 
  One Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA | Phone: [phone] 
  300 Broad Street, Lynn, MA | Phone: [phone]

• Quinsigamond Community College 
  670 West Boylston Street, Worcester | Phone: [phone]

• Roxbury Community College 
  1234 Columbus Avenue, Roxbury Crossing, MA | Phone: [phone]

• Springfield Technical Community College 
  One Armory Square, Springfield, MA | Phone: [phone] 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does MassEducate cover?
A: MassEducate covers the full cost of tuition and fees for all eligible students.

Q: How do I transfer to a four-year program?
A: To learn more about opportunities to transfer to a four-year college, visit this site for public four-year higher education institution or contact the higher education institution you are looking to transfer to. 

Q: What if I am already enrolled in community college?
A: If you are already enrolled in a community college and meet the other eligibility requirements, you will qualify for free community college. Free community college will not apply retroactively for classes taken prior to the 24-25 academic year.