Free MA Public College Tuition, Supplies For Income-Eligible Students

SALEM, MA — Massachusetts students who meet family income requirements will be eligible for free tuition, eliminated fees and reimbursement for books and supplies at all state colleges and universities under an expansion of the state MASSGrant Plus program.

Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll were at Salem State University on Wednesday to announce the new financial aid program that will cover all tuition and fees for students who currently meet the income requirements and receive Pell Grants. Pell Grant-approved students who receive MASSGrant Plus aid will also be eligible for allowances of up to $1,200 for books and supplies.

The cost of room and board will not be covered under the MASSGrant Plus Expansion program.

"The first public school was right here in Massachusetts," Healey said in a statement. "Living up to our legacy means we need to lead in access to education.

"From now on, low-income students can attend any of our public colleges or universities without worrying about tuition, fees, books, or supplies."

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Gov. Healey's Office said the $62 million expansion will benefit about 25,000 students at state colleges and universities, including the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. The expansion will be funded through the state's so-called "millionaire's tax" which was approved last year and adds an extra 4 percent tax on earnings above that $1 million annual threshold.

The expansion also increases financial aid for students defined as "middle-income" with families earning between $73,000 and $100,000 in adjusted gross income eligible for a reduction of out-of-pocket costs. MASSGrant Plus Expansion will reduce out-of-pocket costs for middle-income students by up to 50 percent of tuition and fees.

Students deemed eligible for MASSGrant Plus Expansion will have funds applied retroactively to the start of the fall 2023 semester.

"An investment in public colleges and universities is an investment in our people and our future," Driscoll said in a statement. "So excited that thousands of students will see major savings starting this year."

Massachusetts' new Tuition Equity Law allows undocumented students who have attended high school for three years in Massachusetts and earned a diploma or equivalent, to access state financial aid, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements of each program.

Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo was at Wednesday's announcement.

"SSU's impact on Salem is profound and positive," Pangallo posted on social media after the event. "And we're not alone in seeing that.

"There isn't a Massachusetts city or town that doesn't benefit in some way from our public higher education institutions. Their alumni are shaping Massachusetts' future. They keep contributing to the fabric of our Commonwealth, even after they've graduated, and to the places where they studied, where they made discoveries, made art, and made connections. Those are also the places where they make careers and make a difference.

"With today's landmark announcement, those pathways will be open to ever more Massachusetts families and students. It will strengthen our Commonwealth, create greater equity and opportunity, and ensure we remain a leader in the nation in innovation, education, and economic success."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)