Massachusetts’ Free Community College Program Has Launched

Massachusetts recently became one of a growing number of states that offer free community college. The state's free college education program is called MassEducate, and it builds on a similar program called MassReconnect that launched last year. If you or someone you know wants to continue their education at a community college, here are some details about each of these programs and what they offer.

MassReconnect launched about a year ago. The program made community college free for students 25 years and older "to obtain a degree or certificate through any public community college, creating opportunity for the more than 1.8 million Massachusetts residents in this age group who have a high school diploma or equivalent but no higher education credential," according to the state government.

MassReconnect is available to those, according to the state, who are age 25 or older as of the first day of classes; have been a resident in the state for at least one year; earned a high school diploma or equivalent but haven't finished a postsecondary degree; have submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); and are enrolled in six or more credits for an associate degree or certificate program at a community college.

The new free community college program, MassEducate, covers the full cost of tuition and fees for all eligible students. In addition, students may qualify for an allowance of up to $1,200 for books and supplies, depending on their income level. Other students who qualify may also be eligible for an additional allowance, up to $1,200, for college costs.

There are quite a few requirements to qualify for this free community college program, including having physically resided in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the beginning of the enrolled term, "with an intent to remain in Massachusetts consistent with Board of Higher Education (BHE) policy and to "enroll, as a matriculated student, on a full-time or part-time basis (minimum of 6 credits per term, or the equivalent) in an eligible institution and undergraduate program of study leading to a certificate or associate degree." These are just a few of the requirements, but there's a way you can easily find out if you qualify. All you have to do is reach out to the financial aid office at the community college where you're enrolled or would like to attend. They should have all the information about these community college programs and be able to help you.