Overview
In August 2023, Massachusetts passed a Tuition Equity Law that created an additional pathway allowing eligible students to access state higher education benefits through the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). Learn about Massachusetts’ two pathways for being assessed for in-state tuition and state financial aid eligibility.
These benefits include in-state tuition rates at Massachusetts public institutions, and eligibility to be considered for state financial aid programs at public and private higher education institutions in Massachusetts.
Eligibility
To be eligible to access in-state tuition rates or state financial aid through the Tuition Equity Law, you must be what we call a “High School Completer.” To be a “High School Completer” you must have:
Attended high school in Massachusetts for at least three (3) academic years;
Earned a diploma or the equivalent (GED/HiSET) in Massachusetts; AND
Be able to provide one of the following documents:
A valid Social Security Number (SSN),
A document reflecting the issuance of an individual taxpayer identification number,
A document of registration with selective service (if applicable), OR
If you cannot provide one of the above three documents and if you are not a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States, you may complete Section C of the Tuition Equity Form and Affidavit stating that you will file an application to become a citizen or legal permanent resident within 120 days after you become eligible to do so.
Fill Out the MASFA
Fill out the MASFA and the Tuition Equity Form.
The MASFA is a Massachusetts state alternative to the FAFSA for eligible students who qualify for in-state tuition rates and state financial aid under the High School Completer pathway, and are unable to complete the FAFSA. Only complete the FAFSA or the MASFA, not both. The MASFA will automatically be sent to the Massachusetts colleges and universities of your choice.
Complete the Tuition Equity Form and Affidavit and send it to the Massachusetts colleges and universities of your choice. The Tuition Equity Form and Affidavit will not be sent to your colleges/ universities automatically, you will need to provide it to them individually.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For questions about the MASFA or the Department’s state financial assistance programs please contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at 617-391-6070 or osfa@osfa.mass.edu.
Q: Will my information be shared?
A: No. Student or family information submitted to establish eligibility as a High School Completer is protected from disclosure under state law.
Q: Will students be asked their parents’ legal immigration status in order to apply for instate tuition?
A: No. The application does not ask for parents' immigration status, but parents will need to provide an SSN or ITIN if they have one.
Q: Can students currently classified as out-of-state have their tuition status changed to in-state?
A: Yes. State-funded public institutions have a process called reclassification, which allows students to convert to in-state status. A student can submit the Student Application and Affidavit form to be eligible for High School Completer status.
Q: How does a student meet the high school requirement?
A: A student must attend at least three academic years of high school, or district-approved homeschooling (9th-12th grade) in Massachusetts. Any combination of three years of enrollment is acceptable. The school may be public or private, but must be physically located within Massachusetts. A student must also receive a high school diploma or the equivalent (GED/HiSET) in Massachusetts.
Q: Can I fill out the MASFA if I don’t want to fill out the FAFSA?
A: No. If a student is eligible to complete the FAFSA, the student must submit a FAFSA. Students must only complete a FAFSA or MASFA, not both.
Q: I am not eligible to complete the FAFSA, but submitted one anyways. How can I complete the MASFA?
A: Students who submitted a FAFSA but are not eligible to be considered for federal aid must email OSFA at masfa@dhe.mass.edu for help accessing the MASFA. OSFA must delete the FAFSA record from MASSAid before the student can access and complete the MASFA.
Q: I submitted a MASFA, but am eligible to complete the FAFSA. How can I complete the FAFSA?
A: Students who submitted a MASFA but are eligible to be considered for aid through the FAFSA must email OSFA at masfa@dhe.mass.edu. OSFA will delete the MASFA and load the student’s FAFSA record into MASSAid.