Pathways to In-State Tuition
The Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law, effective July 1, 2023, expands access to in-state tuition and state financial aid for students who do not meet traditional residency requirements.
Students who qualify under this law may also be eligible for Massachusetts state financial aid programs, including MassReconnect and MassEducate, which can cover the full cost of tuition and fees at community colleges.
Pathways to In-State Tuition at Massasoit
Massasoit students may qualify for in-state tuition through one of two pathways:
Standard Residency Classification
This pathway is intended for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible immigrants who meet Massachusetts residency requirements.
To qualify under this pathway, a student must:
Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible immigrant.
Have lived in Massachusetts for at least six consecutive months before enrolling (for reasons other than attending school).
Demonstrate an intent to remain in Massachusetts by showing that you have established a permanent, primary residence in the state—not just a temporary stay for school. Evidence may include:
Holding a Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID.
Registering to vote in Massachusetts.
Leasing or owning a primary place of residence in Massachusetts.
Paying state income taxes as a Massachusetts resident.
Working full-time or part-time year-round in the state.
Declaring Massachusetts as their state of legal residence on official forms (e.g., FAFSA, tax returns).
Submit the Massachusetts In-State Tuition Eligibility Form to be reviewed for this status.
2. High School Completer Classification (Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law)
This pathway is intended for students who graduated from a Massachusetts high school but do not meet the standard residency requirements.
To qualify under this pathway, a student must:
Not be a nonimmigrant alien under 8 U.S.C. §1101(a)(15)(A)–(S).
Have attended at least three academic years at a Massachusetts high school.
Have graduated (or will graduate) from a Massachusetts high school.
Provide a valid Social Security Number or ITIN, if available.
Submit the appropriate Tuition Equity Eligibility Form and Affidavit with required documentation:
Students who have graduated from high school should complete the Tuition Equity Eligibility Form and Affidavit for High School Completers.
Students enrolling at Massasoit while still in high school should complete the Alternative Tuition Equity Eligibility Form and Affidavit (High School Seniors Only).
Students who qualify under either pathway but do not submit the required forms will be charged the out-of-state tuition rate.
Applying for State Financial Aid
Students approved for in-state tuition may also qualify for Massachusetts financial aid programs such as MassReconnect and MassEducate, provided they are enrolled in an eligible associate degree or certificate program.
Students who are eligible to complete a FAFSA should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and include Massasoit Community College in the School Selection section.
Students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status may still apply for financial aid by submitting the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA).
Please note: Being eligible to apply for financial aid does not guarantee that aid will be awarded. Students must still meet the specific requirements of each program.
Additional Resources
The Tuition Equity Factsheet provides detailed information on this law in multiple languages:
To learn more about the Tuition Equity Law, please visit the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education’s webpage and FAQ.