Financial Aid

Financial Aid Overview

Wondering how you'll be able to afford college can be a significant cause of stress for students and families going through the college application process. This page gives many helpful resources on how to apply for financial aid, and highlights some more affordable college options. It also lists some organizations that provide support for families navigating this process. 

FAFSA Overview and Updates

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the form used to determine a student's eligibility for need-based financial aid from the government, including both federal and state aid. It is used by most public and private colleges and universities. 

The FAFSA recently went through updates to make it easier for families to fill out, which means it was made available later than usual. As of November 18th, 2024, the FAFSA is available for all students and families to complete. While colleges have different deadlines for FAFSA submission, we encourage families to complete it as soon as they are able to, since submitting it early allows you to qualify for the most aid.

CSS Profile and IDOC Overview and Updates

The CSS Profile is the form used to determine a student's eligibility for need-based financial aid from schools themselves through institutional aid. It is mostly used by private colleges and universities, though there are some public schools that use it as well.

The CSS Profile is available for families to complete starting October 1st, 2024. Just like the FAFSA, schools have different deadlines for submitting the CSS Profile.

Some schools that use the CSS Profile also use the IDOC, which asks families to upload certain financial documents like tax returns and W-2s forms. 

MASFA Overview and Updates

The MASFA (Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid) is a new form that allows non-U.S. citizens who are not eligible for the FAFSA to receive state aid. It is part of the Tuition Equity Law that passed in August 2023 to allow undocumented students to access higher education at Massachusetts colleges and universities. 

By filling out the MASFA, students become eligible for in-state tuition at Massachusetts public institutions, and can access state aid for both public and private institutions in the state. 

Visit this site to view the full eligibility requirements and get answers to some frequently asked questions.

MASSGrant Plus and Expansion

MASSGrant Plus and MASSGrant Plus Expansion allow students whose families make under a certain amount to attend Massachusetts public institutions for free or at a reduced cost.

If your family makes below $85,000 a year before taxes: MASSGrant Plus covers full tuition and fees, and provides a stipend of up to $1,200 for books and supplies

If your family makes between $85,000 and $100,000 a year before taxes: MASSGrant Plus covers partial tuition and fees (up to half of your out-of-pocket expenses)

This program is available for students at the following universities: Bridgewater State, Fitchburg State, Framingham State, Salem State, Westfield State, Worcester State, Mass Art, MCLA, Mass Maritime, UMass Amherst, UMass Boston, UMass Dartmouth, and UMass Lowell

You can find more information about this program here

Tuition-Free Community College (TFCC)

Tuition-Free Community College (TFCC) allows Boston residents ages 18-24, regardless of citizenship status, to enroll in an associates degree or certificate program at a Massachusetts community college

Funding is available on a first-come first serve basis, so students are encouraged to apply as early as possible

This program is available for students at the following community colleges: Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, Bunker Hill CC, Massasoit CC, MassBay CC, Roxbury CC, Urban College of Boston

If you gain an associates degree with at least a B average, the MassTransfer program guarantees admission to a Mass state university or UMass

You can find more information about TFCC here, and MassTransfer here

Financial Aid Support Organizations

Here are several organizations that are here to help you navigate all things financial aid!

MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority)

MassEdCo (Massachusetts Education & Career Opportunities, Inc.)

UAspire