Press Release  Governor Healey Awards $14 Million to Help Massachusetts State University Students Graduate

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today announced $14 million in funding to help students Massachusetts universities complete their degree programs and graduate. The funding, awarded through the State University SUCCESS (SU SUCCESS) program, is expected to support at least 8,000 students statewide this year by expanding access to academic advising, tutoring, personalized support and financial assistance for students facing challenges that could prevent them from graduating.

 “We've made historic investments to make college more affordable in Massachusetts, and now we're making sure students have the support they need to get across the finish line,” said Governor Maura Healey. “No student should have to give up on their degree because they can't afford an unexpected expense or don't have access to the help they need. These investments are about helping more students graduate, get good-paying jobs and build successful futures right here in Massachusetts.”

“Getting into college is an important first step, but we want to make sure students have every opportunity to finish what they started,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We know students are balancing classes, jobs, family responsibilities and unexpected challenges. SUCCESS gives our state universities more resources to support students, keep them on track to graduate and help them take the next step toward rewarding careers.”

The SU SUCCESS program provides targeted support for students who may be at risk of not completing their degrees. This includes one-on-one academic advising, tutoring, peer mentoring, career and scholarship guidance, and assistance connecting students with resources for basic needs like housing, transportation and child care. The funding is expected to reach approximately one in four students identified as at risk of not completing their degrees at the nine state universities.

“We know that targeted, proactive support can make a meaningful difference in whether a student graduate college,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “Through SUCCESS, we're helping our state universities use data and proven strategies to better understand students' needs, strengthen academic outcomes and improve degree completion. It's an investment in both our students and the future of Massachusetts.” 

“Our historic investments in financial aid have opened the doors of higher education to more Massachusetts students,” said Interim Commissioner of Higher Education José Luis Santos. “SU SUCCESS builds on that progress by helping our state universities provide the personalized support students need to stay on track and earn their degrees. For students and their families, that success can mean greater economic mobility and new possibilities for their future.”

The funding builds on Governor Healey’s efforts to make higher education more affordable and accessible. Since taking office, she has more than doubled state financial aid to over $400 million annually, including making community college tuition and fee-free through MassReconnect and MassEducate and expanding MASSGrant Plus to cover tuition and fees for eligible students at public four-year colleges and universities. These investments have helped public higher education enrollment return to pre-pandemic levels, and SUCCESS funding is helping ensure that more students who enroll can complete their degrees.

To strengthen student support services across the state university system, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education is working with the State Universities Council of Presidents and Georgia State University's National Institute for Student Success (NISS). Through this partnership, universities are receiving technical assistance to identify students who may need additional support, improve academic advising and implement proven strategies to increase graduation rates. ICF International will independently evaluate the initiative and help identify opportunities to improve outcomes.

“When college students run up against a barrier to their success, often they just need a little lift or a push—and there are so many ways we can help,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Whether it’s tutoring or peer mentorship to help with their classes, or resources to help with basic needs like housing and transportation, SU SUCCESS could make the difference that helps students at our state universities to get that life-changing diploma in hand. Thank you to Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll for moving forward with this critical education affordability program.” 

“Graduates of our State Universities stay in Massachusetts. They teach in our schools, work in our hospitals, and support our communities,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “ When we help students finish their degrees we’re investing in the Commonwealth for decades to come. That’s the return SUCCESS delivers and it’s why the House has made it a priority.”

“SUCCESS gives our state universities new tools to identify barriers and provide students with the right support at the right time,” said Mary K. Grant, chair of the Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents and president of MassArt. “When more students have the resources they need to persist through to graduation, they gain the opportunity to put their talents and creativity to work, strengthen their communities, and contribute to a skilled, creative workforce that will help shape the future of Massachusetts.”

“Making higher education more affordable is essential, but our work cannot stop once a student enrolls,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “Investing in SUCCESS recognizes that student persistence and completion requires sustained support — from academic advising and tutoring to help with meeting basic needs — so that students stay on track, earn their degrees, and build their futures.”

"At its core, SUCCESS is about breaking down barriers, expanding equitable opportunities, and providing students with the resources they need to thrive.” said Representative Dave Rogers (D-Cambridge) “SUCCESS is instrumental in supporting student persistence and guiding them toward graduation."

 Of the $14 million investment, approximately $13.3 million will support student success initiatives at the nine state universities, with remaining funding supporting statewide implementation and evaluation. Awards are determined in part by student enrollment and the number of Pell Grant-eligible students at each institution.

Award recipients include: 

• Bridgewater State University: $3,022,899
• Fitchburg State University: $1,297,587
• Framingham State University: $1,315,502 
• Massachusetts College of Art and Design: $931,538 
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts: $684,096 
• Massachusetts Maritime Academy: $713,536 
• Salem State University: $2,050,053 
• Westfield State University: $1,532,795 
• Worcester State University: $1,713,269 

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