Press Release  New Data Shows 40 Percent Increase in Students Attending Community College Through MassReconnect in Second Year

Boston — MassReconnect, Governor Healey’s cost-free community college program for students ages 25 and older, continues drawing adult learners to Massachusetts’ community colleges in its second year. According to new data from the state’s Department of Higher Education (DHE), community college enrollment of new students in the MassReconnect population – those ages 25 and over without a prior college degree – grew by 39.6 percent between the fall 2023 and 2024 semesters. This builds on a 45 percent year-over-year growth in this same student population in 2023, MassReconnect’s inaugural year. Over 20,000 new students in the MassReconnect population have enrolled in community colleges in the last two years. 

MassReconnect is a major strategic education, workforce and economic investment that supports Massachusetts’ national and global competitiveness. Community college students aged 25 and older enrolled in majors connected to high demand industries, increasing by over 100 percent between Fall 2022 and Fall 2024 in business and communications, trades, STEM, health, and social and behavioral sciences and human services majors. Among STEM programs, the greatest growth in majors among the MassReconnect population is veterinary technologies/technicians, data processing and computer and information technology administration and management. For trades programs, the greatest growth in new student enrollment among the MassReconnect population was among HVAC, criminal justice and corrections, fire protection and vehicle maintenance and repair technologies. Research finds that a typical associate degree holder takes home $700,000 more in income over their career than a typical high school graduate.

“I proposed and created MassReconnect so that more Massachusetts residents could afford to return to school and get the skills and training needed to succeed in today’s economy,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We know that a community college degree increases students’ income and helps ensure our businesses have the workforce they need to grow. This new data shows that the program continues to be a success, and our students, businesses and economy are all benefitting.”  

“MassReconnect has eliminated the financial barrier of tuition and fees, opening the door particularly for students 35-44 years old and across all racial demographics,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “It is exciting to see the enrollment increases in high demand industries such as HVAC and information technology, connecting students with workforce needs and supporting their economic mobility.”

“As a first-generation college student, I never thought this moment would come,” said MassReconnect student Krystin Woodard about her recent graduation from Springfield Technical Community College. “Thanks to MassReconnect, I am now graduating and heading into the BSN nursing program at Elms College, something that once felt out of reach. The financial support lifted such a heavy weight off my shoulders and allowed me to focus fully on my studies. I am deeply thankful to Governor Maura Healey and the state for believing in students like me. This program didn’t just change my life; it changed the path for my entire family and showed me I can be a role model for others in my community.” 

MassReconnect has enabled enrollment growth across every racial and ethnic group of adults age 25 or over. Over the two-year period from Fall 2022 to Fall 2024, Hispanic or Latino students experienced the highest increase at 57 percent, followed by Black or African American students with an increase of 43 percent, and white students with a 33 percent increase. The enrollment increase has been across all ages 25 and older but was particularly pronounced for 35–44-year-olds who saw a 52 percent enrollment increase from Fall 2022 to Fall 2024.

“Putting college within financial reach can be lifechanging for students who have the talent and drive, but not the means, to earn a degree,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Two years in a row, we have seen that adult learners are ready to seize the opportunity that MassReconnect presents. When adult learners up-skill and re-skill, they grow their own careers while filling workforce needs in Massachusetts.”   

“MassReconnect students have shared that this program inspired them to complete the degree they once started, or to create graduation and career plans they had previously lacked,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “Students are driven by this investment in their future, and this investment is well placed, because we know the talents these learners bring will benefit our communities.”   

Fall 2024 was the first year of MassEducate, which makes community college free for qualifying students under age 25 and adult learners with one prior associate degree. MassEducate’s first semester also showed enrollment growth at 14.6 percent among new students under 25 who meet other program criteria. Overall community college enrollment, including new and returning students, grew 24 percent between fall 2022 and 2024, turning around a decade of declines. With MassReconnect and MassEducate, Massachusetts offers free community college to all residents regardless of age and income level who do not have a bachelor’s degree, and who meet other eligibility requirements. 

“MassReconnect reflects a thoughtful and strategic approach to lifelong learning and workforce development—empowering adults to pursue new learning opportunities and ensuring Massachusetts remains competitive in a changing economy,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for making this meaningful investment in the people and future of the Commonwealth.”

“It’s exciting to see the collaborative work between the Legislature and the Healey-Driscoll Administration pay off with the overwhelmingly success of the MassReconnect program. Providing no-cost education has effectively removed the single biggest impediment to a quality higher public education in the Commonwealth. The results speak for themselves; over 20,000 new students, an almost 40% increase, and the highly sought after STEM discipline leading the way! Massachusetts is making great strides towards a highly skilled and compensated workforce economy,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, (D-Westport) Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. 

Free community college programs have also brought a boost in another area tied to college access and success – completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA completion is required for students to access free community college. Since MassReconnect and MassEducate have been in effect, FAFSA completion rates among qualifying students have grown. In 2024, FAFSA completion for students in the MassReconnect population was 88.3 percent, a 4.7 percentage point increase over the prior year. FAFSA completion for students in the MassEducate student population was 80.9 percent in fall 2024, a 6.8 percentage point increase over the prior year. Massachusetts has also engaged in events, direct outreach, partnerships, and paid ads, among other efforts, to increase FAFSA completion.  

The administration recommends that students fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible to benefit from financial aid programs. Alternatively, certain eligible students who cannot submit a FAFSA may submit a Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) to apply for state financial aid.

“Higher education opens doors to transformational opportunities,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “It's heartening — especially at this moment — to see the continued positive impact of robust state investment in Massachusetts students and our campuses through MassReconnect. Kudos to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Department of Higher Education, and the Legislature for their enduring commitment. Investing in students and campuses today means a brighter tomorrow for all across the Commonwealth.”

“At a time when higher education is under attack at the federal level, today’s announcement underscores how Massachusetts remains committed to expanding access and equity in higher education,” said Representative Dave Rogers (D-Cambridge), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “MassReconnect is working, and I would like to thank Speaker Mariano and Governor Healey for continuing to support affordable college and career opportunities.”

“MassReconnect is not only changing the lives of individual students, it’s also strengthening our economy. By helping thousands of adults train for high-demand careers at no cost, we are removing barriers to personal and professional growth while building a stronger, more resilient workforce. Our community colleges are proud to be engines of opportunity and innovation in every region of the Commonwealth,” said William Heineman, president of North Shore Community College and chair of the Community College Council of Presidents. 

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