Free College FAQ

These programs are available to students who:

• Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the enrolled term
• Are either:
  • A U.S. Citizen, permanent legal resident, or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations, or
  • An approved “High School Completer” per the Massachusetts tuition equity law
• Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent (GED/HiSET)
• Are enrolled in at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the college’s requirements. For more information, visit Massasoit’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy.

Eligibility for books and supply allowances may differ between programs.

Students who wish to earn credit for past work experience or life skills should learn more about Credit for Prior Learning.

All students must complete the current FAFSA or MASFA to be considered eligible for these programs. For the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 semesters, students must complete the 2024-2025 form; a new financial aid application must be submitted each academic year for continued funding.

Complete your enrollment steps and we’ll take it from there! All residents of Massachusetts who meet the above eligibility criteria have access to tuition- and fee-free community college.

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA)
  • If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA and are an approved “High School Completer” under the Massachusetts tuition equity law, please complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid(MASFA).
• Apply to Massasoit and enroll in an approved program of study. Massasoit accepts applications throughout the year and there is never an application fee.

All eligible students who are enrolled for the fall 2024 semester will have their costs covered. Students who have already paid some or all their bill will receive a refund for eligible costs according to college policy and individual student circumstances.

Information about refunds, veteran’s benefits, tuition appeals for emergency/medical withdrawals are available through the Office of Student Accounts.

Students that want to remain eligible for free community college do not need to enroll in Winter and Summer sessions.  These sessions are optional.

Want to enroll in a Winter class?  The credits you register for in the Winter session apply to your required six-credit minimum for the Spring semester free college eligibility.  That means if you register for three credits in the winter session, you only need to enroll in three more credits in the spring semester.  You can enroll in more classes – 12 credits is considered full-time. Learn more about winter classes.

Want to enroll in Summer classes? You must register for a minimum of six credits across any of the three summer sessions.  Summer sessions are: Summer (10 weeks). Summer I (five weeks) and Summer II (five weeks).  Learn more about summer classes.