Free Community College is Here

Free Community College allows Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend any of the state’s 15 community colleges and pay no tuition or fees. The program includes an allowance for books and supplies for certain students. 

Free Community College

• For any student with no previously earned bachelor’s degree
• Covers all course-related tuition and fees for eligible courses
• Provides an allowance of up to $1200 per academic year towards books, supplies, and other expenses, based on household income.*

*Actual allowance amount varies by enrollment.

The program is available to students who:

• Have not earned a bachelor’s degree* or the equivalent, and
• Meet one of the following requirements:
  • Are a Massachusetts High School Completer which means they:
    • Attended high school in Massachusetts for at least three years
    • Earned a high school diploma or alternative (e.g., HiSET, GED) in Massachusetts

OR

• • Are a U.S. Citizen, permanent legal resident, or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations and physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the enrolled term with an intent to remain in Massachusetts consistent with Board of Higher Education policy.

Eligible students must: 

Apply to BHCC and enroll in an approved program of study leading to a certificate or degree. Applications are open all year long and there’s never a fee to apply.

• Enroll in at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, if ineligible to complete the FAFSA, the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA)
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with BHCC's requirements.

Certain students, based on income and enrollment, will also receive an allowance of up to $1200 per year for books, supplies, and other approved costs.

*Students enrolled in courses that meet the initial training requirements for emergency medical technical and paramedic certification are also eligible for Free Community College regardless of prior degree earned or number of credits enrolled.

Free Community College is a last-dollar financial aid grant award that is applied to a student’s account after all other state and federal financial aid and grants are applied.

All students are subject to program guidelines and must maintain eligibility throughout the course of their studies to continue to receive financial aid through the Free Community College program. All students must complete the current FAFSA or MASFA to be considered eligible.

For the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters, students must complete the 2026-2027 form; a new financial aid application must be submitted each academic year for continued funding.

Program guidelines for the 2026-2027 academic year are available online.

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