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Admissions

Massasoit maintains an open admissions policy and accepts students on a first-come, first-served basis without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, color, national origin, age, religion, or disability status. Students who want to enroll in one of Massasoit’s degree or certificate programs, whether full or part-time, must formally apply and be admitted to the College. Students must have earned a high school diploma; passed the General Educational Development (GED) or High School Equivalence Test (HiSET); earned another state-approved equivalency credential; or have completed an approved homeschool program to be admitted to Massasoit.

The open enrollment policy does not apply to selective admissions programs of study which may have specific deadlines, prerequisites, and other admissions criteria.

Applicants will be admitted to the College on a rolling admissions basis, first-come first-served, as long as the application is complete, all required documents have been received, and a vacancy exists in the applicant’s desired program of study. Most programs offer both full- and part-time schedules, while others are available only full-time or part-time. Please note that some of the program-specific courses are only offered on certain campuses.

For detailed admissions criteria and more information, visit massasoit.edu/admissions.

Admission of Returning Students

All students who are academically eligible and have not been in attendance at Massasoit for more than three consecutive semesters are required to reapply for admission.

Students seeking readmission must complete a Readmission Request form with an academic counselor in the Advising, Career & Transfer Center.

The Director of Admissions or designee from Health Science will notify readmitted applicants in writing regarding their admissions status.

Readmission for Health Career Applicants

Health career applicants shall be readmitted based on academic eligibility, space availability, and the recommendation of the department chairperson. The Director of Admissions will notify readmitted applicants in writing regarding their admissions status.

Three-Semester Rule

All students enrolled in a degree program who are academically eligible but who have not been in attendance for up to three consecutive semesters shall be eligible to maintain their degree status as long as they register for classes by the fourth consecutive semester (with the exception of health career programs).

  • Three-semester students shall not be required to apply for readmittance.
  • Three-semester students shall follow the program requirements for the semester that they were previously admitted.

Admission of International Students

International students, those who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States and are at least 18 years of age, are eligible for admission to Massasoit Community College.

Admissions Requirements

International applicants are required to submit all of the following documents to the Admissions Office by the fall or spring deadlines in order for an application to be considered complete. All application deadlines are final.

Required Forms:

  • Massasoit application for admission
  • Certificate of financial support
  • I-20 application
  • All forms are available at massasoit.edu/international.


Admission Deadlines

  • Fall semester – July 15 for students outside of the U.S. and August 15 for students within the U.S.; and
  • Spring semester – November 30 for students outside of the U.S. and January 2 for students within the U.S.


High School and College/University Transcripts

Applicants must submit an official evaluation of their secondary school transcript and/or diploma. All academic documents must be evaluated by a certified evaluation company prior to submission. Commonly used services for educational evaluations include the following:


Applicants must submit an official copy of their postsecondary (college or university) transcript(s) with diploma if applicable. College transfer credit shall potentially be awarded only with the submission of an official college transcript and an evaluated document.

Proof of Financial Support

Applicants and their sponsors must demonstrate that there is sufficient financial funding available to support the student while in the U.S. by completing the following:

  • Submit the Massasoit Certificate of Financial Support form, which must be signed by the sponsor and notarized; and
  • Submit a notarized bank letter with letterhead and signature from bank confirming a minimum amount of $30,000.00 US dollars in the sponsor’s account.


Both of these financial support documents must be dated within the last six months to be accepted by the College.

Proof of English Proficiency

Applicants shall submit evidence of English proficiency in one of the following ways:

  • Submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 153 on the computerized test or 53 on the Internet TOEFL test (iBT) is required.
  • Submit a score from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (a minimum score of 4.5 is required);
  • Achieve an acceptable score on the Reading and Writing Accuplacer Test or LOEP administered by the Massasoit Testing Office; or
  • Submit an official transcript indicating successful completion of an academic program of study conducted entirely in the English language.
  • The proof of language proficiency is waived for English speaking applicants from the following English speaking countries; Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Canada, Grenada, (British) Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, United Kingdom, St. Kitts & Nevis, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe.

 

International Information Form

Applicants residing in the U.S. at the time of submitting their application shall be required to submit a valid passport, visa, and I-94 card.

B1/B2 Visa

Applicants with a B2 (Visitors) visa who plan to stay in the United States are required to request a change of status to a F-1 student visa upon receiving acceptance to the College. B Visitor visa holders are not allowed to start classes in an associate degree program until notification of their change of status decision.

Applicants must have valid B Visa status in order to apply to the College. If the applicant’s B Visa is not valid, the College will not process the application. If the applicant’s I-94 Card has expired or will expire before the semester they wish to attend, the applicant shall be encouraged to either file an extension of their B Visa or return home to apply for the F-1 visa.

If the applicant is denied a change of status from a B Visa to F Visa, the applicant must follow all instructions of the Office of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USCIS) provided on the I-797 (Notice of Action) and the applicant will not be able to enroll in an associate degree program at the College based on USCIS regulations for B visas and pursuing a degree program.

The Admissions Office does not process visas or change of status requests (although information and forms may be obtained from the admissions office). The College is not responsible for any change of status decisions.

Final Admissions Deadlines for B1/B2 Visa holders
  • Fall semester – May 15; and
  • Spring semester – October 15.
  • J-1 Visa


Applicants with a J-1 (exchange) visa must apply for a change of status to a student visa (F-1) prior to the expiration date for the J-1 visa. J-1 visa holders shall follow the regular fall and spring admissions deadlines for international students.

Transfer Students

International applicants attending an institution of higher education in the U.S. are required to submit a copy of their current SEVIS I-20 form from the school they currently attend. Prior to being accepted to the College, the applicant and a representative at the current institution of higher education must complete the Massasoit Transfer Form in order to ensure SEVIS transfer compliance.

Final Admissions Deadlines for Transfer Students
  • Fall semester – August 15; and
  • Spring semester – January 2.


The College is authorized under the United States Federal Law Immigration and Naturalization Act to enroll non-immigrant alien students. Therefore, the College shall accept applications for admission from non-immigrant aliens. 

Admission of Homeschool Students

All home schooled students, without a high school diploma or GED, are eligible to apply for admission to a degree or certificate program provided they have successfully completed an approved home school program in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws or the laws of their home state.

To determine whether a student has participated in an approved home school program, the student shall submit, with the application for admission, evidence that the home school program was approved by the student’s school district’s superintendent or school committee. Additionally, if the home schooled student is under the age of compulsory attendance, which is sixteen (16) years old in Massachusetts, a letter from the student’s school district’s superintendent or school committee is required stating that the student is not considered truant and would not be required to attend further schooling or continue to be home schooled if the student has completed his/her home school program before the age of sixteen (16).

The College reserves the right to limit or deny enrollment of a student under the age of sixteen (16) in a course or program based on its case-by-case consideration of a variety of factors, including but not limited to: the student’s maturity, life experience, placement test scores, prior education, course content, instructional methodology, and risks associated with a particular course or program. See Youth Learner Policy.


Placement Testing & Assessment

The Testing and Assessment Office facilitates the scheduling and administration of a selection of tests that satisfy requirements for students, academic programs and the College at no cost to students. The Testing & Assessment Office shall provide placement testing in writing, reading, and mathematics to determine levels of proficiency and satisfy course prerequisites requirements. Students who have completed courses at another institution of higher education or have taken placement tests at another institution should contact the Testing and Assessment Office to address the need for placement testing.

Assessment for Placement into Courses and Programs

ACCUPLACER Placement Test

Massasoit requires all students to be assessed in reading, writing and math in order to register for classes. The ACCUPLACER tests are used to determine whether students proceed directly into college-level courses or are placed into skill building course that prepare for college-level work. The test is comprised of ESL, writing, reading and math. Some students may qualify to use Multiple Measures course placement instead of completing the ACCUPLACER tests.

Biology Challenge Examination

Fulfillment of the Biological Principles I and Biological Principles II prerequisites is required for upper level biology courses such as Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Cellular Biology, Microbiology, and Topics in Molecular Biology Technique.

This prerequisite is met by:

  • Earning a grade of C- or better in Biological Principles I;
  • Achieving a minimum score of 4 on the AP Biology exam;
  • Achieving a minimum score of 50 on the Biology CLEP exam; or
  • Successful completion of the Biology Challenge Examination.


It should be noted that achieving the minimum scores on the AP Biology Exam, the Biology CLEP Exam, or successfully completing the Biology Challenge Exam do not grant a student course credit; it only allows for waiver of the Biological Principles I prerequisite for the courses listed above.

English as a Second Language Testing

English as a Second Language Testing is offered to potential students whose first language is not English and assess for English proficiency in Reading and Writing. Students shall be assessed for and placed in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses rather than English Composition. Students who are not yet ready to enroll in college-level ESL or English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes will be directed to alternative programs for further development of English skills.

Test of Essential Academic Skills Nursing Examination

Students applying to the Nursing or Allied Health care programs (LPN-RN, RN, Radiology Technology or Respiratory Care) shall be required to take a pre-entrance examination, the TEAS exam in order to be considered for selection into the program.

Prior Learning Assessment and Credit for Prior Learning

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process through which students enrolled in a degree or certificate program at the College are able to earn college credit for knowledge gained through training, military service, work experience, volunteer service, or other experiential learning that occurred prior to enrollment at the College.

Through PLA, Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) shall be awarded for college-level learning for which documentation exists to verify a student’s mastery of course outcomes. CPL assessments are not to be used to improve an existing grade or replace a grade of “Withdrawal” or “Incomplete.” CPL assessments are not covered by financial aid and are not generally transferable to other institutions of higher education. A nonrefundable fee of $50 per credit may be required to schedule a departmental exam and to initiate a portfolio assessment. No fee is required for a credential review.

In accordance with guidelines of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education for Criminal Justice programs, students enrolled in these programs MAY be eligible of CPL on a case by case basis.

The Registrar’s Office reserves the right to adjust its transfer credit policy at any time. Tuition and fees are not refundable regardless of success or failure in the evaluation process.

Types of Examinations

The Testing and Assessment Office facilitate the following tests or programs:

  • Computerized ACCUPLACER Placement Testing
  • Biology Challenge Examination
  • College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
  • Directed Self Placement (DSP)
  • Level of English Proficiency (LOEP) exam for ESL and ESOL
  • General Educational Development (GED) Test
  • High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)
  • Multiple Measures
  • TEAS Nursing Examination
  • NHANOW Certification Exams
  • Examinations through PearsonVue
  • Proctoring Services

 

ACCUPLACER

  • Writing Sample
    • Students will have 70 minutes to read and write a response to a given essay prompt. Once completed, the essay is read, evaluated, and scored. The student receives a score report that designates course placement.
  • Reading Comprehension Test
    • Currently Massasoit is administering the test for data, but it is not used for placement. The untimed, computerized reading test assesses reading and comprehension skills. The student reads a series of paragraphs and answers a set of multiple-choice questions specific to reading comprehension and sentence relationships.
  • Math Test
    • The ACCUPLACER math assessment is an untimed test that consists of up to three distinct, computer-adaptive tests. The system adjusts question difficulty based on your answers to determine your exact placement level.
    • Once the test is completed, the student receives a scored report that designates course placement.


Biology Challenge Examination

The Biology Challenge Examination typically takes approximately two hours to complete and is scored by a member of the Biology Department with a pass or fail grade. The exam, which consists of 90 multiple-choice questions (90 points) and two essay questions (10 points), covers topics listed in the course description for Biological Principles, usually material covered in the first 20 chapters of a standard biology text. A student must score a minimum of 70 points to pass. Copies of the Campbell Biology text are available on reserve in the Massasoit library for study.

Directed Self Placement

This placement option allows a student to make an informed choice about which writing course is best for them, either English Composition I or a combined course of English Composition I with a Reading support course (Reading and Writing Studio). Students watch an eight minute video that explains the self-placement process. Next, they answer questions about their knowledge and practice of their reading and writing skills then select which English course is best for them.

ESL and ESOL Testing

The college administers the Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) Reading Skills test and WritePlacer ESL to assess proficiency in English.The LOEP test is untimed and is adminstered on a computer with 20 questions. The WritePlacerESL test is timed and students will have 60 minutes to write a response to an essay prompt. Test results are provided at the completion of the test with an explanation of placement.

High School Equivalency Tests

GED and High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) examinations are now offered free to residents of Massachusetts. Exams are administered via a computer and candidates make test appointments online through the GED or High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) websites. Additional information about the GED is available on the GED website and information about High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) is available on the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) website. Information about Massachusetts’ eligibility guidelines for testing is available on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website. Students who need to obtain an original high school credential and/or official transcripts for either the GED or High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) must make a request to the Diplomasender website.

TEAS Nursing Examination

The Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) TEAS examination is a timed, computerized test consisting of four sections: Reading; Mathematics; Science; and English & Language Use. Students shall register for a test date by logging onto www.atitesting.com and follow links to Massasoit Community College. Students applying to Massasoit are required to take the exam in person and are charged a $112 non-refundable fee, payable to ATI. Rescheduling a test results in an additional fee paid to ATI. Students will receive an email reminder from Massasoit 3 – 4 days before their scheduled exam date and should read the email carefully. Students taking the exam should arrive on site 15 minutes early, know their login credentials and have a photo ID with them for entry to the examination.

Multiple Measures

Massasoit Community College offers a multiple measure placement approach to course placement. This multiple measures approach allows the college to review additional evidence of student learning, rather than a single, high-stakes examination score to determine readiness for college-level coursework, with a goal of increasing student success and completion rates at the college. Options for placement through Multiple Measures include High School GPA, ACT, AP, SAT, CLEP, ACCUPLACER scores and College Transcripts. More information is available on the Multiple Measures placement webpage. Students who are still enrolled in high school are also eligible to take college courses through the Early College Multiple Measures.


College Costs: Tuition & Fees

Massasoit Community College is committed to providing a high-quality education at an affordable cost. Tuition and fee rates are established by the College and the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and are subject to change without notice. Visit our Paying for College page for more information.

Tuition and Fees

At Massasoit Community College, we are committed to offering a high-quality education at an affordable cost. Tuition and fee rates are established by the College and the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and are subject to change.

Tuition rates are based on a student’s residency classification. Students may qualify for in-state rates through various pathways, including Massachusetts residency or eligibility under the Tuition Equity Law. For the 2026–2027 academic year, per-credit charges are:

  • In-state tuition rate: $24 per credit
  • Out-of-state tuition rate: $230 per credit

 

Students are also assessed a General College Fee of $209 dollars per credit, regardless of residency. Additional course and program fees may apply based on course format or academic program. Please see our Tuition & Fees webpage for details.

Additional Fees

The following fees may apply depending on the student’s courses or program of study:

  • Online Course Fee: $10 per credit for courses with an online component
  • Science Course Fee: $30 per course for science classes with a lab component
  • Allied Health Course Fee: $20 per credit for courses in Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting
  • Veterinary Technology Program Fee: $1,000 annual fee charged in the fall semester
  • Self-Supporting Allied Health Programs Fee: Additional tuition charge of $123 per credit for Nursing courses in the Nurse Education Evening Programs
  • Returned Check Fee: $10
  • Transcript Fee: $3 per transcript


Fees are subject to change without notice.

Student Health Insurance

Massachusetts law requires students enrolled in a degree or certificate program for nine or more credits in a semester to have qualifying health insurance. Students who do not submit an approved waiver are charged for Massasoit’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

For 2026–2027, the annual SHIP premium is $4,806. The spring-only premium is $3,204. Students with eligible coverage, including qualifying MassHealth or subsidized Massachusetts Health Connector plans, may waive SHIP through the College’s waiver process. Some limited-coverage programs do not qualify.

Students who would like to apply federal financial aid to SHIP charges must complete a Title IV Authorization Form. Enrollment in SHIP will not be activated until the premium has been paid in full. For coverage dates, waiver instructions, and current plan details, see the Tuition & Fees webpage.

Student Billing and Payment

After registering for classes, students receive a semester bill showing tuition, fees, health insurance, and any applicable course or program charges. Bills are sent to the student’s mailing address on file and Massasoit student email account. Students should review their bill even if they expect financial aid or free community college program to cover their costs.

Students are responsible for addressing their bill by the published deadline. This may mean making a payment, completing financial aid requirements, or submitting documentation of third-party funding. An unresolved balance may result in a financial hold that affects future registration.

Students may pay their balance in full or use an interest-free monthly payment plan. The plan has a non-refundable enrollment fee and requires students to enroll each semester.

Refunds of tuition and fees are determined by the College’s Deadline and Refund Schedule. Students who receive federal financial aid and withdraw may also be subject to the separate Return of Title IV Funds policy.

Students whose tuition and fees are covered by a third-party sponsor, such as an employer, government agency, or workforce training program, must submit the required authorization documents each semester. Until the College receives those documents, the student remains responsible for the charges.

For complete billing details and payment options, visit the Student Accounts Office webpage.

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) represents the total estimated cost of attending Massasoit for one academic year. It includes both direct costs (tuition and fees billed by the College) and indirect costs (such as transportation and personal expenses).

COA is used to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid and varies based on enrollment status, residency, and living situation.

Typical components of the COA include:

  • Tuition and fees
  • Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment (including the documented rental or purchase of a personal computer)
  • Housing and food
  • Transportation
  • Miscellaneous personal expenses
  • Federal student loan fees (if applicable)
  • Costs for professional licensure, certification, or a first credential required for employment in the student’s program of study.

 

Depending on a student’s circumstances, the COA may also include dependent care costs, disability-related expenses, costs of an approved study abroad program, and costs related to employment in a cooperative education program. Students with these expenses should contact the Financial Aid Office to request a review of their COA.

Current cost estimates are available on massasoit.edu/cost-of-attendance.

Establishing Eligibility for In-State Tuition

Students may qualify for the in-state tuition rate through either the Massachusetts residency pathway or the High School Completer pathway.

Massachusetts residency pathway

Students may qualify by meeting the Board of Higher Education’s Massachusetts residency requirements, including the six-month residency period applicable to community colleges. Students must provide the information and documentation needed for the College to determine their eligibility.

High School Completer pathway

Students may qualify if they attended high school or a district-approved homeschool program in Massachusetts during at least three academic years and earned, or will earn before enrolling, a Massachusetts high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED or HiSET. The three years do not need to be consecutive. Students do not need to live in Massachusetts before enrolling under this pathway. Other eligibility and documentation requirements also apply.

For forms, documentation requirements, and help determining which pathway applies, visit Massasoit’s Pathways to In-State Tuition page.


Financial Aid

Massasoit Community College offers financial aid to help students manage the cost of attending college. Available aid includes the Massachusetts Free Community College program, federal, state, and institutional grants, tuition waivers, work-study employment, and federal student loans.

Financial aid can help cover tuition and fees, as well as other costs of attending college, such as books, transportation, and living expenses. The Free Community College program covers tuition and fees for eligible students regardless of income. Some students may also qualify for an allowance for books, supplies, and other approved costs.

All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid, regardless of income. Visit our Paying for College page for more information.

Confidentiality of Financial Aid Records

The Financial Aid Office protects student financial aid records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other applicable federal laws. Financial aid information is shared only with the student, with people the student has authorized, or as otherwise permitted by law.

Students who want the Financial Aid Office to discuss their information with a parent or another person may submit the Consent to Release Student Information Form. Some FAFSA and federal tax information is subject to additional restrictions and may not be shared simply because this form is on file.

Federal or State Financial Aid Application Procedures and Eligibility Criteria

Students seeking financial aid should complete an application each academic year. Students eligible to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should use that application and include Massasoit Community College. Students who cannot file the FAFSA because of their immigration status and qualify as High School Completers under the Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law may instead complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). Students should complete one of these applications, not both.

For priority consideration and to allow time for processing before semester billing deadlines, students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA or MASFA by May 1 for the fall semester or November 15 for the spring semester. Applications submitted later are still reviewed, but aid may not be determined before classes begin. Students should also respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation.

The FAFSA or MASFA is required for students seeking aid through the Massachusetts Free Community College program. Eligibility for other federal, state, and institutional aid depends on the requirements of each program. For application steps and current eligibility information, visit Massasoit’s financial aid application page.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To remain eligible for financial aid, including the Massachusetts Free Community College program, students must meet Massasoit’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards. SAP measures a student’s cumulative grade point average, the percentage of attempted credits completed, and progress toward finishing a program within the maximum allowed time frame. Students who do not meet these standards must regain eligibility before receiving additional financial aid.

For detailed SAP requirements and appeal procedures, visit Massasoit’s Satisfactory Academic Progress page.

Types of Financial Aid

Students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) and enroll in an eligible degree or certificate program may qualify for various types of financial aid. These include federal, state, and institutional grants, the Massachusetts Free Community College Program, tuition waivers, work-study employment, and federal student loans.

Primary Federal and State Grants

Grants are financial aid that does not need to be repaid. They are often awarded based on financial need, enrollment status, and FAFSA or MASFA application data.

  • Federal Pell Grant: For undergraduate students with financial need who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. Award amounts are set annually by the federal government.
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Awarded to students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to Pell-eligible students who meet application deadlines and have a negative Student Aid Index (SAI).
  • Massachusetts Free Community College: Covers remaining tuition and fees for eligible students after other federal and state grants are applied. Some students may also qualify for an allowance for books, supplies, and other costs.
  • MASSGrant: A need-based state grant for eligible full-time undergraduate students with significant financial need.
  • Massachusetts Cash Grant: Need-based grant that helps cover tuition and fees for students enrolled in at least three credits. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those who meet published application deadlines.
  • Massachusetts Emergency Grant: Provides financial assistance to eligible students experiencing an emergency or unexpected financial hardship that could affect their ability to continue attending college.


Institutional Financial Aid

  • Massasoit Community College Fee Assistance Grant (MCCFee): MCCFee is the college’s primary source of institutional financial aid. It helps students cover remaining tuition, fees, and required book costs when other federal and state aid is insufficient. Funds are limited and are typically reserved for students who meet published financial aid deadlines. When funding allows, MCCFee may also be used to assist eligible students with summer tuition and fees.
  • United Student Fund (USF): The United Student Fund assists students facing sudden financial emergencies or unexpected events that could interfere with their ability to continue at Massasoit. These funds are not intended to cover routine expenses, tuition and fees, prior balances, or legal costs. Funds are limited, and awards are reserved for urgent, one-time needs such as food and housing insecurity or transportation issues.
  • Massasoit Scholarships: A variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships are available to help students with educational expenses. Scholarship information, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines are available on the Massasoit Scholarships and Awards webpage.


Tuition Waivers

Massasoit Community College participates in several tuition waiver programs authorized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These waivers reduce or eliminate the state-supported portion of tuition and are available to eligible students based on financial need or qualifying personal circumstances. Tuition waivers generally apply to state-supported undergraduate courses and may not cover fees, materials, or other non-tuition fees.

Need-Based Tuition Waivers

Students with demonstrated financial need may qualify for a need-based tuition waiver for eligible state-supported courses. The value of the waiver cannot exceed the actual tuition charge or, when combined with other financial aid, exceed the student’s demonstrated financial need.

Categorical Tuition Waivers

Categorical tuition waivers are available to students who qualify under categories established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Students must meet the applicable eligibility and documentation requirements.

Eligible categories include:

  • Veterans: Individuals who meet the Commonwealth’s definition of a veteran for tuition waiver purposes.
  • Native Americans: As certified by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
  • Senior Citizens: Individuals over the age of 60. Senior citizen waivers are only accepted beginning one week prior to the start of the term. Eligible senior citizens may receive a waiver covering all tuition and fees
  • Active-Duty Military: Members of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed and residing in Massachusetts.
  • Clients of MassAbility or the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind: As certified by the respective agency.

 

Eligibility requirements and waiver procedures are available on Massasoit’s State & Institutional Financial Aid page.

Commonwealth Employee Tuition Remission

Employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and eligible family members may qualify for tuition remission benefits at Massasoit. Eligibility and the extent of coverage depend on the applicable employee benefits policy or collective bargaining agreement and the courses taken.

Federal Work Study Program

Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally funded student employment program that offers part-time jobs to eligible students with demonstrated financial need. Positions are available on Massasoit’s Brockton and Canton campuses, as well as at approved nonprofit organizations in the community.

To be considered for FWS, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), demonstrate financial need, and meet general eligibility requirements for federal student aid. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to the availability of funds.

Students must not exceed maximum allowable work hours and must comply with all employment policies outlined in the Federal Work Study Student Employment Manual.

Current pay rates, employment policies, and application information are available on Massasoit’s Federal Work Study page.

Federal Loan Programs

Massasoit participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program, which offers loans through the U.S. Department of Education to help students and families pay educational expenses. Loans must be repaid with interest. Students must complete the FAFSA, meet federal student aid eligibility requirements, and enroll in at least six eligible credits per semester in an eligible degree or certificate program.

  • Federal Direct Subsidized Loan: Available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. The federal government pays the interest during eligible periods, including while the student is enrolled at least half time, during the six-month grace period, and during approved deferments.
  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Available to undergraduate students regardless of financial need. Interest begins accruing when the loan is disbursed and is the borrower’s responsibility.
  • Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan: Available to eligible parents of dependent undergraduate students. A credit check is required, and the parent is responsible for repayment.

 

Loan amounts are subject to federal borrowing limits and the student’s eligibility. Enrollment below full-time can reduce the amount a student may borrow.

Current interest rates, fees, borrowing limits, and application information are available on Massasoit’s Federal Grants and Loans page.

Veterans’ Educational Benefits

Massasoit certifies VA educational benefits, including the GI Bill, for eligible veterans, service members, and dependents. Eligible veterans may also qualify for a Massachusetts categorical tuition waiver.

Information about available benefits, eligibility requirements, and application procedures is available on Massasoit’s Veteran Services page.