MASSGrant Plus

MASSGrant Plus makes public four-year colleges and universities in Massachusetts more affordable

About MASSGrant Plus

If your family makes approximately $85,000 a year*:
Whether you are a full- or part-time student enrolling in or attending a public four-year college or university, MASSGrant Plus covers the full cost of your tuition and fees. 

While MASSGrant Plus does not include room and board, it can provide funds for other costs to help you complete your degree. It provides an allowance of up to $1,200 for books and supplies.

If your family makes approximately $85,000 and $100,000 a year*:
If you are a full-time student, the costs for tuition and fees could be reduced by up to half of your out-of-pocket expenses.

*This is an estimate based on the adjusted gross income of a family of 4 (meaning your income after things like taxes are removed) and does not include assets (money or property you already have). IMPORTANT: if you are unsure if your family qualifies, please speak with a financial aid counselor. Also, complete the FAFSA or MASFA. Find help completing the FAFSA and MASFA.

Determine your eligibility

You are eligible for MASSGrant Plus if you are:

• Enrolled in a Massachusetts public college or university, with a high school diploma (or equivalent),
• A full-time student whose family makes up to $100,000 a year before taxes OR a part-time student enrolled in at least six credits whose family makes up to $85,000 a year before taxes,
• Have not earned a prior bachelor's degree (or equivalent),
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress according to the college’s requirements, AND
• Not in default on any federal or state educational loan.

How to apply

To attend a public college or university for free or reduced tuition and fees:

• Complete and file your FAFSA. Many 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 this instead of the FAFSA.
• Enroll at a Massachusetts public college or university. MASSGrant Plus awards will be made directly by the college or university at the point of enrollment throughout the academic year.
• Reach out to your local college or university to learn more.

Massachusetts State Universities and UMass

State Universities

• Bridgewater State University 
  131 Summer Street, Bridgewater, MA | Phone: [phone]

• Fitchburg State University 
  160 Pearl Street, Fitchburg, MA | Phone: [phone]

• Framingham State University 
  100 State Street, Framingham, MA | Phone: [phone]

• Massachusetts College of Art and Design 
  621 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA | Phone: [phone]

• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, 
  375 Church Street, North Adams, MA | Phone: [phone]

• Massachusetts Maritime Academy 
  101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA | Phone [phone]

• Salem State University 
  352 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA | Phone: [phone]

• Westfield State University 
  577 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA | Phone [phone]

• Worcester State University 
  486 Chandler St, Worcester, MA | Phone: [phone]

University of Massachusetts

• University of Massachusetts Amherst 
  300 Massachusetts Ave, Amherst, MA | Phone [phone]

• University of Massachusetts Boston 
  100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA Phone: [phone]

• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 
  285 Old Westport Road, Dartmouth, MA | Phone: [phone]

• University of Massachusetts Lowell 
  220 Pawtucket St, Lowell, MA | Phone: [phone]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I apply for MASSGrant Plus? 
A: Students can apply for these funds by filling out the FAFSA! All students who fill out the FAFSA are automatically considered for MASSGrant Plus eligibility. 

Students who are undocumented should complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). 

In addition to filling out the FAFSA or MASFA, students should apply separately for admissions at the public university they are seeking to attend.

Q: Do MASSGrant Plus funds have to be paid back? 
A: No. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be paid back. Theses costs are being paid for by the state.

Q: What fees are covered under MASSGrant Plus? Is it all “fees”? 
A: Mandatory instructional fees are covered, not optional fees like a parking fee.  

Q: Does this cover room and board? 
A: No. Room and board costs are not covered.