Skip to main content

MASSGrant & MASSGrant Plus

The MASSGrant and MASSGrant Plus programs are funded by the state Legislature and provide need-based financial assistance to undergraduate students who reside in Massachusetts.
Skip table of contents

Table of Contents

Overview

Students must be enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education in any approved public or independent college, university, school of nursing or any other approved institution.

Under the MASSGrant Plus program, both full-time and part-time students attending Massachusetts public community colleges may be eligible for additional funding to help with the cost of tuition and fees. Review the requirements for the MASSGrant Plus program below to determine if you qualify for assistance from this program.

Eligible Students

MASSGrant MASSGrant Plus
  • Be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for at least one full year prior to the opening of the academic year.
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations.
  • Have applied for financial aid, using the standard Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), by May 1.
  • Be in compliance with Selective Service Registration.
  • Not be in default of any federal or state Student Loans for attendance at any institution or owe a refund for any previous financial aid received.
  • Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits or its equivalent) in a certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree program at an eligible institution.
  • Not have received a prior bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
  • Be maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with institutional and federal standards.
  • Demonstrate financial aid need as determined by the federal methodology need analysis criteria.
  • Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) between $0 and $5486.
  • Be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for at least one full year prior to the opening of the academic year.
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations.
  • Be a student at one of Massachusetts’ 15 community colleges, and enrolled in a certificate or associate’s degree program.
  • Be enrolled either full-time (minimum 12 credits a semester) or part-time (minimum 6 credits per semester).
  • Have applied for financial aid, using the standard 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), by November 1, 2020.
  • Demonstrate financial need for tuition and fees after accounting for expected family contribution (EFC) and all forms of institutional and public grant aid.

Eligible Institutions

MASSGrant MASSGrant Plus
For MASSGrant an eligible institution is defined as a state-approved public, private, independent, for-profit or non-profit institution in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts authorized to offer undergraduate degrees, certificates or diploma programs. Additional eligible institutions include state-approved public, private, independent, non-profit institutions in Vermont, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia that have reciprocity agreements with Massachusetts and award associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. For MASSGrant Plus, only public community colleges are eligible.

Award Amount

MASSGrant MASSGrant Plus
MASSGrant awards will vary depending on the student’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and the type of institution that he or she attends. MASSGrant Plus awards will vary depending on student need (gap) to meet tuition/fee costs. Note that MASSGrant Plus awards are made after a student’s EFC has been calculated.

FAFSA Deadline

MASSGrant MASSGrant Plus
May 1 (every year) November 1, 2020 (for the 2020-21 academic year)

Additional Information

MASSGrant MASSGrant Plus

MASSGrant Guidelines & Procedures

MASSGrant Award Terms & Conditions

 MASSGrant Plus FAQ

How to Apply

Students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the Federal Central Processor by the appropriate deadline. You can obtain a FAFSA from a high school guidance office, the local library, your college's Financial Aid Office or you can call the DHE’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617) 391-6070 to request a copy. You may also visit the Federal Student Aid web site to file your FAFSA electronically.

Feedback