All About Massachusetts State Financial Aid
Grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, and no interest loans are all ways the Commonwealth helps students of different ages, backgrounds, and circumstances access higher education. Massachusetts wants your students to succeed!
What are the steps to apply for Massachusetts state aid?
In many cases, your students will apply for MA state aid by submitting the FAFSA (be sure students submit this by May 1st, the Commonwealth’s financial aid deadline). Each college will then use the inputted FAFSA data to determine the Massachusetts aid your students are eligible to receive, and the college will include that aid on their financial aid offers, along with the financial aid they are receiving from the federal government and the college itself.
Knowing the need for undocumented students to have a path for their future, Massachusetts has also developed the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). This is an application for non-U.S. citizens to complete to determine their eligibility for Massachusetts state aid.
Whether students file the FAFSA or the MASFA, some types of MA state aid have additional requirements as part of their application process. Review each type of aid below for details.
What are the main types of aid offered?
In Massachusetts, the main types of aid offered include grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, and no-interest loans. Aid is awarded based on four main factors: need-based, merit-based, entitlement, or program-specific. Need-based is determined by income and financial need. Merit-based is awarded by academic or comparable achievements. Entitlement is dependent on personal circumstances, such as status in the foster care system, Veteran-status, heritage, and other special circumstances. Program-specific is based on employment and career goals, such as nursing, teaching, or a career in a high-need field. With the wide range of factors that determine eligibility, students could be awarded many types of state aid.
Are there other programs to help cover the cost of college in MA?
In addition to the many state aid opportunities available, the Commonwealth also offers robust programs to make education more accessible and affordable. Here are three stellar programs for your students to consider when making their college plans:
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Can Massachusetts state aid be used at private colleges?
Yes, there are grants and scholarships that can be used at private colleges, including:
Can Massachusetts state aid be used for attending colleges in other states?
Yes, some Massachusetts state aid can also be used at out-of-state colleges and universities. The Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship can be used at colleges and universities throughout the United States. MASSGrant also allows state aid to be used at any state-approved postsecondary school in MA, VT, PA, and DC.
Where do I find information on my MA state aid?
After students apply for financial aid, they can access the MassAid Portal: New College Cost & Aid Eligibility Tool, which will help them understand their eligibility for the various state aid that Massachusetts offers. Keep in mind that MA state financial aid is directed to the school listed first on their FAFSA. However, once they create their MASSAid user account, they can indicate the school they plan to attend in order to receive their state aid there.
MA State Aid Types
We’ve included some of the more common types of aid students may receive in an article on our website, All About Massachusetts State Financial Aid. For a comprehensive list, reference the information the Office of Student Financial Assistance provides and their helpful Quick Guide for Students.
For more information about all the financial aid opportunities available to individuals and families in Massachusetts, watch our recorded webinar, Understanding MA State Financial Aid and read our article, Meet Dr. Clantha McCurdy, a Leader in Massachusetts Higher Education.
If you have questions about financial aid in Massachusetts, or financial aid in general, reach out to us at (800) 449-MEFA (6332) or collegeplanning@mefa.org.