Haverhill, MA (July 29, 2024)  – In signing the Massachusetts FY25 State Budget today, Governor Maura Healey made another historic investment in higher education. Community college is now tuition and fee-free for Massachusetts residents who don’t have a bachelor’s degree under the newly-created MassEducate program.

“We are thrilled to support the MassEducate program. This builds upon years of work by leaders across Massachusetts to make higher education more affordable and more equitable,” says Northern Essex Community College President Lane Glenn. “Students can now pursue degree and certificate programs without the fear that financial hurdles will slow their progress. The benefits will be felt throughout the Commonwealth and especially here in the Merrimack Valley as these students go on to fill critical, in-demand jobs in our workforce.”  

To be eligible, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must also have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent, enroll in a minimum of six credits per semester, and have physically resided in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the first enrolled term. More eligibility requirements and FAQs can be found on the webpage.

MassEducate builds on the success of last year’s MassReconnect program. MassReconnect provides free community college for adults over the age of 25 who do not have a degree. The program is credited with an 8% enrollment increase across the state’s 15 community colleges, including a 45% increase in enrollment of students over the age of 25.

There is still time to enroll and access free community college this fall. There is no deadline to apply and Northern Essex offers programs with seven different start times throughout the year.

MassEducate and MassReconnect will exist side-by-side. Both provide last-dollar financial aid grant awards that are applied to a student’s account after all other state and federal financial aid and grants are applied.