Massasoit Begins 2025 Academic Year

Impact of Free College Programs Felt on Campus Through Enrollment and Financial Aid

BROCKTON, Mass (September 3, 2025) – Massasoit Community College’s 59^th academic year began on its campuses in Brockton and Canton, at its Middleborough Center, and online. As of this morning, 5,684 students are enrolled for credit – an 18% increase over this date last year. The significant increase in enrollment is thanks in part to the Commonwealth’s “Free College” initiatives.

The strong enrollment numbers mark the second year that the College has experience a double-digit increase in enrollment. On the first day of classes in the fall of 2023 – the first year MassReconnect was available – 4,188 students were enrolled for credit. Since then, there has been a 36% increase in students enrolled. The College’s final student census will not be recorded until October – once all registration is completed for both the full and accelerated fall semester sessions.

“Free community college is working in Massachusetts, and it is working at Massasoit Community College,” said Bill Mitchell, President of Massasoit Community College. “We are incredibly excited that these programs have renewed interest in earning a community college degree and are allowing a new generation of students to receive a high-quality, local education at no cost for many.”

The financial impacts of free community college are significant. During the 2024-2025 academic year, an increasing number of students applied for financial aid and received federal Pell grants, and $4.8 million in Free College funds was awarded to eligible students. The increase in access to aid helped reduce the number of students borrowing money to finance their education at Massasoit to only 138 students – a mere 1.6% of those enrolled throughout the academic year.

Massasoit’s faculty and staff have been preparing all summer for the influx of students. The College has streamlined the enrollment process, hired faculty and student support staff, and prepared facilities for the return of students. This work includes a revitalization of Middleborough Center, which will host credit courses in non-paramedic/EMT programs for the first time in several years.

“Massasoit’s dedicated, hardworking faculty and staff are ready to help our students find success throughout their time with us,” said Mitchell. “I’m proud of the opportunities we offer students on their paths to exploring their passions, launching their education, and advancing their careers.”

Student Demographics

Of the students enrolled, 1,749 are attending Massasoit for the first time and 528 high schoolers enrolled in college classes. This year, Massasoit is experiencing a 26% increase of students ages 30-39, 24% increase of students ages 40-49, and a 50% increase of those aged 50 or older. 64% of students who reported their gender are female. Massasoit’s student population is diverse and represents its service area – of those who reported their race or ethnicity, 56% are people of color.