Free Community College For All
IMPORTANT: This information has been consolidated from the report: “Planning and Delivery of Free Community College in Massachusetts” Final report, dated April 29, 2024. This is still pending debate within the Massachusetts legislature and has not been approved nor has any proposed timeline or launch date.
What is it?
Free tuition and fees plus additional support for books and supplies.
Who’s eligible?
All Massachusetts residents, inclusive of undocumented status, high school completers. This includes those who have received a GED, or General Educational Development.
How do you stay eligible?
Maintain a 2.0 grade point average or higher AND take at least 6 credits per semester.
Who is paying?
The initiative is a “last dollar program” - meaning the state will cover the remaining cost to a student after all grants and scholarships have been applied.
Why is this needed?
Studies show a direct correlation to the level of education an individual achieves and their lifetime earning potential. Not to mention the socioeconomic outcomes and halo effect this has on families and communities. In other words, it's the key to betterment. As North Shore we say if you have the will, we have the way - now the state is backing that up by removing the financial barrier to achieving that betterment. As for the state, a larger, more educated workforce only leads to an improved workforce, which can have long-term impacts on the economic and cultural outlook of Massachusetts.