Enrollment Information | Catalog
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 exits in the applicant’s desired program of study. Some programs are offered both full- and part-time, and some programs may be offered full- or part-time only. 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.
Readmitted students shall follow new program requirements for the semester for which they are readmitted. Students seeking readmission must complete a program modification form with an academic counselor in the Advising, Career & Transfer Center.
The Registrar’s Office will notify readmitted applicants in writing regarding their readmission 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:
- Center for Educational Documentation: www.cedevaluations.com;
- International Education Research Foundation Inc. Credential Evaluation Services: http://ierf.org/;
- North American Educational Group: www.naeg.org;
- World Education Service – www.wes.org; and
- American Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers – www.aacrao.org.
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 $28,800 U.S. 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 a score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (a minimum score of 477 on the paper-based test, 153 on the computerized test, or 53 on the Internet TOEFL test is required);
- Submit a score from the International English Language Testing System (a minimum score of 4.5 is required);
- Achieve an acceptable score on an English Proficiency Test administered by the English as a Second Language Department at the College; or
- Submit an official transcript indicating successful completion of an academic program of study conducted entirely in the English language.
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 Laerner Policy, page 19.
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 Potential students whose first language is not English shall be assessed for English proficiency in Reading. Students shall be assessed for and placed in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses rather than Introductory Writing, English Composition, or Preparing for College Reading. Students who are not yet ready to enroll in college-level ESL or English to 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
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
- 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.
- Once the test is completed, the student receives a scored report that designates course placement.
- Math Test
- 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.
- 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 untimed exam allows a student to make an informed choice about which writing course is best for them, either English Composition 1 or a combined course of English Composition 1 with a Reading support course. 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 Reading Skills test to assess proficiency in English. The untimed test is administered on a computer and students will answer 20 questions. Test results are provided at the completion of the test with an explanation of placement. Except for Transitional ESL, these courses carry three credits and shall be used for a general, liberal arts, or humanities elective.
High School Equivalency Tests
GED and 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 HiSET websites. Additional information about the GED is available on the GED website. and information about HiSET is available on the 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 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 measures 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. Students who are still enrolled in high school are also eligible to take college courses through multiple measures. More information is available at massasoit.edu/multiplemeasures.
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.
Tuition and Fees
- Massachusetts State Resident: $24 per credit
- Non-Resident: $230 per credit
All students are also assessed the General College Fee (GCF) of $209 per credit. The
GCF is a mandatory per-credit charge that supports the comprehensive operational expenses
of the college. This fee encompasses a wide range of services and resources, including
academic support, facility maintenance, administrative functions, and student services,
contributing to the overall functioning of the institution.
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, and Phlebotomy
- Veterinary Technology Program Fee: $1,000 annual fee charged in the fall semester
- Paramedic Program Fee: $942 per semester for students enrolled in the Paramedic Certificate Program
- 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
In accordance with Massachusetts law, all students enrolled in a degree or certificate program and registered for nine or more credits in a semester are required to carry qualifying health insurance coverage.
Eligible students are automatically charged for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), which provides coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. The annual premium for the 2026 – 2027 academic year (September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027) is $4,806. Students who begin in the spring and are enrolled for the January 1, 2027 – August 31, 2027, coverage period will be charged a spring-only premium of $3,204.
Students who already have health insurance may waive the SHIP charge by submitting proof of comparable coverage. To be considered comparable, a student’s existing insurance must provide comprehensive coverage in the geographic area where the student attends college, including emergency and non-emergency care, behavioral health services, and prescription benefits. Waivers are valid for the full academic year provided there is no change in insurance coverage or enrollment status.
Certain MassHealth plans meet the coverage requirements and are eligible for waiver. These include MassHealth Standard and CommonHealth. Other MassHealth-related plans—such as the Children’s Medical Security Plan (CMSP), Healthy Net, and MassHealth Limited—do not meet the minimum coverage standards and cannot be used to waive the SHIP requirement.
Students using federal financial aid to pay for the insurance premium must submit a Title IV Authorization Form. Without this authorization, federal aid may not be applied to the SHIP charge, and students will be responsible for paying the premium out of pocket.
Coverage under the SHIP does not begin until the full premium has been paid or secured using approved financial aid.
Student Billing and Payment
After registering for courses, students are issued a billing statement for the semester. Statements reflect charges for tuition, fees, health insurance, and any applicable course or program specific costs. Bills are sent to the student’s mailing address on file and Massasoit student email account.
Students are responsible for reviewing their charges and ensuring that payment is received by the published deadline. Failure to pay on time may result in a financial hold that prevents registration and access to college services.
Payment may be made in full or through a monthly installment plan. The interest free payment plan allows students to divide tuition and fee payments across the semester. A non-refundable enrollment fee is charged each term. Participation in the plan must be renewed each semester.
Refunds of tuition and fees are issued in accordance with the College’s published refund policy. Students who drop or withdraw from a course may be eligible for a full or partial refund based on the timing of the withdrawal and the length of the course.
Students whose tuition and fees are covered by a third-party sponsor such as a government agency, employer, or workforce training program must submit required authorization documents each semester. Until such documentation is received, the student remains financially responsible for all charges.
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.
View current estimated costs based on residency, enrollment status, and living situation.
Establishing Eligibility for In-State Tuition
Students may be eligible for the in-state tuition rate through one of two primary pathways:
- Standard Residency Classification
- This classification applies to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-citizens who meet Massachusetts residency requirements.
- To be considered a Massachusetts resident for tuition purposes, a student must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen.
- Have lived in Massachusetts for reasons other than attending school for at least six consecutive months prior to enrollment.
- Demonstrate intent to remain in Massachusetts by establishing a permanent, primary residence.
- Examples of supporting documentation may include a Massachusetts driver’s license, voter registration, housing lease or mortgage, employment records, or Massachusetts tax filings.
- Students must complete the Massachusetts Community College In-State Tuition Eligibility Form and provide appropriate documentation to be considered for in-state tuition.
- Students who qualify but fail to submit the required documentation will be charged the non-resident tuition rate.
- High School Completer Pathway
- Under Massachusetts State Law, students who do not meet the standard residency requirements
may still qualify for in-state tuition if they satisfy all of the following:
- Are not classified as a non-immigrant under federal immigration law (8 U.S.C. § 1101[a][15][A]–[S])
- Attended a Massachusetts high school for at least three academic years
- Graduated from a Massachusetts high school or will graduate before enrolling
- Have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, if available
- Are admitted to a degree or certificate program at Massasoit
- Submit a signed Tuition Equity Affidavit affirming intent to apply for legal residency or citizenship if not already a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Register for Selective Service if required
- Students must submit the appropriate Tuition Equity Eligibility Form and Affidavit, along with required documentation, to qualify for in-state tuition under this law.
- Students who meet the criteria for either pathway but do not complete the required forms will be classified as non-residents for tuition purposes and charged the out-of-state rate.
- Under Massachusetts State Law, students who do not meet the standard residency requirements
may still qualify for in-state tuition if they satisfy all of the following:
Financial Aid
Massasoit Community College offers a wide range of financial aid programs to help students manage the cost of attending college. These include free community college programs such as MassReconnect and MassEducate, along with federal, state, and institutional grants, tuition waivers, work-study employment, and federal student loans.
Aid eligibility is determined by several factors, including financial need, Massachusetts
residency, enrollment status, and program of study. Financial aid can be applied toward
both direct college expenses—such as tuition, fees, and books—and indirect costs like
transportation and personal living expenses.
All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid, regardless of income level.
Programs such as MassReconnect and MassEducate are available to eligible students
without regard to financial need.
Confidentiality of Financial Aid Records
The Financial Aid Office follows all regulations outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Higher Education Act (HEA). All information provided to the Financial Aid Office is regarded as confidential and will not be released without the written consent of the student and/or parent or guardian, except as permitted by law.
Students may authorize the release of general financial aid information by submitting a Release of Information Form or a Permission to Discuss Form. These forms must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office for processing.
Please note: Certain data submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), including income, tax, and asset information, may not be disclosed to any third party, including parents or spouses, without specific written consent. This restriction applies even if a FERPA release is on file and is required under Section 483(a)(3)(E) of the Higher Education Act.
Federal or State Financial Aid Application Procedures and Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for all forms of federal, state, and institutional financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. The FAFSA is available at www.studentaid.gov. Students who are not eligible to file the FAFSA but qualify as “High School Completers” under the Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law may instead complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA), the state-approved alternative form.
To receive priority consideration for limited financial aid resources and to ensure timely processing before semester billing deadlines, students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA or MASFA by May 1 for the fall semester and by November 15 for the spring semester.
Students must meet the following eligibility criteria to qualify for federal or state financial aid:
Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)
- Completion of the FAFSA with Massasoit Community College included in the school selection
- Submission of all requested verification or documentation, if selected
- High school diploma, recognized high school equivalency certificate (GED or HiSET), or completion of a state-approved home schooling program
- Admission to an eligible degree or certificate program with the intent to earn a credential
- U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status, as defined by federal regulations
- Valid Social Security number
- Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined in Massasoit’s SAP policy
- No unresolved defaults on federal student loans or overpayments on federal grants
- Certification that federal aid will be used only for educational purposes
State Financial Aid (FAFSA or MASFA)
- Permanent legal residency in Massachusetts, or classification as a “High School Completer” under the Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law
- Admission to an eligible degree or certificate program with the intent to earn a credential
- Fulfillment of program-specific eligibility requirements for state financial aid programs, including MassReconnect, MassEducate, state grants, and tuition waivers
Completion of the FAFSA or MASFA is required to be considered for all federal and state financial aid programs, including free community college programs such as MassReconnect and MassEducate. These programs are not based on financial need and are available to eligible students regardless of income.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
To remain eligible for federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including free community college programs such as MassReconnect and MassEducate, students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. These standards include maintaining a minimum GPA, successfully completing a required percentage of attempted credits, and completing programs within a maximum time frame. Students who do not meet these requirements may lose financial aid eligibility but may be able to appeal.
Detailed information about SAP requirements and the appeal process is available at massasoit.edu/paying-for-college.
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, free community college programs, 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. The maximum annual award for 2025–2026 is $7,395.
- 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).
- MassReconnect: Covers tuition, fees, books, and an allowance for supplies for students age 25 or older pursuing their first degree or certificate at a Massachusetts community college.
- MassEducate: Covers tuition, fees, books, and supplies for Massachusetts high school graduates who meet income and eligibility criteria. MassEducate students may also receive an allowance for books and supplies, based on income eligibility.
- MASSGrant: Need-based aid for full-time students who reside in Massachusetts and submit the FAFSA or MASFA by May 1.
- 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.
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 the full cost of tuition, fees, and required books when other federal and state aid is not sufficient. 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. Awards are typically limited to $500 per academic year and are reserved for urgent, one-time needs such as illness, accidents, transportation issues, or temporary housing.
- 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 do not cover course fees, materials, or other non-tuition charges, and are generally limited to state-supported undergraduate courses.
Need-Based Tuition Waivers
Students with demonstrated financial need may qualify for a need-based tuition waiver for eligible state-supported courses. These waivers typically do not apply to courses taught by adjunct faculty or those scheduled during evenings or weekends. 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 waivers are available to students who meet specific eligibility criteria established by the Commonwealth. To qualify, students must:
- Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year as of the start of the term and intend to remain in the state
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, other eligible non-citizen under federal Title IV rules, or have approved “High School Completer” status under the Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law
- Enroll in at least three undergraduate credits per semester in a state-supported degree or certificate program
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Not be in default on federal or state student loans or owe a refund on previous financial aid
Eligible categories for categorical tuition waivers include:
- Veterans: Individuals who meet the definition under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 4, Section 7(43), including those who served in qualifying conflicts and were honorably discharged.
- 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. Courses must have at least 15 enrolled students. Courses with fewer seats may require additional approval. 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 the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission or the Commission for the Blind: As certified by the respective agency.
All documentation must be submitted before the end of the semester while the student
is still enrolled. Waivers cannot be applied retroactively or after a student is no
longer actively enrolled. Students are encouraged to consult the Financial Aid Office
prior to registration to confirm eligibility and ensure that appropriate documentation
is submitted in a timely manner.
Commonwealth Employee Tuition Remission
Employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may be eligible for tuition remission benefits for state-supported undergraduate courses. The amount of the benefit depends on job classification, union affiliation, and institutional participation. Tuition remission is governed by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. Eligible employees should consult their HR office for details. Tuition remission forms must be submitted at the time of registration.
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.
The current rate of pay is $17.00 per hour for on-campus positions and $20.00 per hour for approved off-campus positions. Students must not exceed maximum allowable work hours and must comply with all employment policies outlined in the Federal Work Study Student Employment Manual.
To apply, students should complete the Federal Work Study Program application, available on the Massasoit website.
Federal Loan Programs
Federal Direct Loans are low-interest loans funded by the U.S. Department of Education to help students and families pay for college. These loans must be repaid. Students must be enrolled in at least six credits in a degree or eligible certificate program to qualify.
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
This loan is available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. The federal government pays the interest while the student is enrolled at least half time, during the six-month grace period after leaving school, and during approved deferment periods.
- Fixed interest rate of 6.39% for loans disbursed between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026
- Origination fee of 1.057%
- Lifetime undergraduate borrowing limit: $23,000
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
This loan is available to undergraduate students regardless of financial need. Interest begins accruing at the time of disbursement and is the responsibility of the borrower.
- Fixed interest rate of 6.39 % for loans disbursed between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026
- Origination fee of 1.057%
- Annual and lifetime limits vary by grade level and dependency status
- Dependent undergraduate students may borrow up to $31,000
- Independent undergraduate students may borrow up to $57,500
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
This loan is available to biological or adoptive parents (or stepparents, if listed on the FAFSA) of dependent undergraduate students. A credit check is required.
- Fixed interest rate of 8.94% for loans disbursed between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026
- Origination fee of 4.228%
- May be used to cover the full cost of attendance, minus other aid received
- Borrowers must meet general federal aid eligibility requirements and cannot have an adverse credit history
More information about federal student loans is available at studentaid.gov.
Veterans’ Educational Benefits
Massasoit certifies VA educational benefits for eligible veterans, service members, and their dependents, including programs such as the GI Bill® and Massachusetts tuition waivers.
For full information about available benefits, eligibility, and how to apply, visit massasoit.edu/veterans.