Explore MA State-Funded College Aid

Massachusetts Department of Higher Education takes care to keep a stable of very good grant and scholarship programs. The aim is to provide some financial assistance to state students so as many as possible might attend college with few obstacles.

Grants are usually need-based and scholarships merit-based, though there are exceptions. Expect to be required to complete and file the FAFSA for your state gift aid programs. Why? The FAFSA is used as a qualifying document in many situations, including applying for state scholarship and grant programs. So file it.

MA Scholarship and Grants List

  • Need-based Cash Grant is a popular Massachusetts program directed at the needs of low-income students. Eligible candidates must be motivated to pursue a college education at a Massachusetts college or university. Application for this program is through your campus financial aid office. Award amounts vary.
  • The MassGrant is the state flagship program. Funds are meted out to financially disadvantaged students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree at a private or public college or university in the state.
  • Since not every student is able or willing to pursue college full-time, the Mass Part-Time Grant program puts very good cash into the hands of eligible part-time college students. To qualify students must meet specific financial need guidelines. Awards vary based on type of college or university.

A small battery of merit-based scholarships are maintained by the state, among them:

  • The Paul Tsongas Scholarship metes out cash rewards to students that possess serious academic fortitude. Scholars must maintain a 3.3 GPA and awards are renewable.

Other specialty scholarships include:

  • John and Abigail Adams Scholarship
  • Agnes Lindsay Scholarship
  • Christian Herter Memorial Scholarship

Career-Based Scholarships

Check out these awards that provide incentive for various students in specific high need fields of study:

  • The Early Childhood Educators Scholarship funds the educational efforts of adult early childhood educators that would like to return to school and earn a degree in this field.
  • The Math and Science Teachers Scholarship Program is financial incentive for student teachers interested in teaching math or science, of course. These two subjects are consistently two critical need areas—meaning far fewer student teachers study to teach in these areas.

Special Scholarships and Grants

  • Since the economic beating in late 2008 which inspired massive lay-offs and levels of unemployment not seen in decades, Massachusetts state government established the Educational Rewards Grant program. Unemployed workers may apply for funds that enable them to go to college or return to college with the notion that they are prepared to pursue good career pathways once they graduate.

For more information on Massachusetts scholarships and grants, visit the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education website.