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State College Tuition and Fee Waiver Eligibility and Application

State college tuition and fee waiver program awards can be used to pay for tuition and fees at Massachusetts colleges and universities.  Awards are made based on demonstrated need and available funding. 

Following are the eligibility rules:

AgeUnder the age of 25 as of the start of the academic year
Citizenship/Residency
  • US citizen or eligible non-citizen and
  • MA resident for at least 6 months immediately preceding the start of the semester
School Enrollment
  • Full time or part time at any Massachusetts public university or college
  • Taking state-supported courses toward an undergraduate degree or certificate program.  Check with your school to confirm which courses qualify.  In person daytime courses are usually considered state-supported.  School may include or exclude non-credit courses or short-term certification programs. 
Previous Education
  • High school diploma or GED/HiSET certificate
  • Have not yet earned a baccalaureate degree 
Foster Care Experience

Any of the following:

  • In DCF custody until 18 and unable to return home; This does not include children in care under a voluntary placement agreement (VPA) prior to 18
  • Adopted through DCF
  • In DCF sponsored guardianship before 18
Other Requirements
  • Submitted FAFSA application or a MASFA alternative application for undocumented students
  • Provide a copy of your birth certificate or a copy of your current MA ID or MA driver's license

Apply online upon reaching your 18th birthday or please try to apply by July.

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