Fully Funded Scholarships at Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Massachusetts 2026

Massachusetts Department of Higher Education oversees a broad statewide student financial aid portfolio through its Office of Student Financial Assistance, connecting Massachusetts residents with grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, loans, internships, and repayment programs tied to higher education access and persistence. Its financial aid structure spans major initiatives such as MASSGrant, MASSGrant Plus, the Massachusetts Cash Grant, the Massachusetts No Interest Loan, the Gilbert Matching Student Grant, and the Massachusetts Part-Time Grant, alongside targeted programs including MassReconnect, Free Community College, GEAR UP, educator-focused aid, and loan repayment for health professionals. The department’s work reaches multiple student populations across the Commonwealth, including high school students, current scholars, alumni, schools, and adults returning to college. The Part-Time Grant Program illustrates that role clearly. The program was established in response to demographic and economic changes that increased the number of part-time students in Massachusetts, especially adults returning to the classroom on a less than full-time basis as college costs rose. It serves as a bridge between higher education opportunities and segments of the Massachusetts population that need part-time enrollment options. For that program, eligibility standards are defined around Massachusetts residency, financial aid application requirements, academic enrollment, and prior borrowing history. Students must physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year as of the start of the enrolled term, apply for aid through the FAFSA or a Department-authorized equivalent, avoid default or refund obligations on prior federal or state aid, and enroll in at least six but fewer than 12 undergraduate credits per academic term in an eligible undergraduate degree or certificate program. Through this mix of statewide aid administration and program-specific rules, the department advances college affordability and educational opportunity in Massachusetts.

Public reference data

Massachusetts affordability

State-level cost and wage context for planning. Estimates vary by city and household.

Median household income

$103,563

Fair market rent (2BR)

$2,161

Living wage

29.13/hr

BLS median wage

$63,590

Reported violent crime rate (state aggregate): 26.85 per 100k population. Public reference context only — not a safety rating.

Public planning context

Community indicators vary by county and are included only as public planning context. Use this alongside scholarship amount, school cost, and living expenses - not as an eligibility rule.

CDC SVI band

middle indicator band

ADI band

lower indicator band

SVI counties

ADI counties

CDC SVI county data is available for 14 counties; county indicators vary and are best used as public planning context.
ADI block-group data is available across 14 counties; local conditions can vary within the same state.

Sources: public education, workforce, affordability, and institution datasets where available.

Public safety context uses aggregate public data and is included only as planning context.

Reference only - not ScholarshipTop eligibility rules or guarantees.

Data availability varies by school, city, state, and source year.

FAQ

What does the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education do in student financial aid?

Through its Office of Student Financial Assistance, it administers a statewide portfolio of financial aid programs that includes grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, loans, internships, and loan repayment initiatives. Programs named on the site include MASSGrant, MASSGrant Plus, the Massachusetts Cash Grant, the Massachusetts No Interest Loan, the Gilbert Matching Student Grant, MassReconnect, Free Community College, and the Massachusetts Part-Time Grant.

Who is the Massachusetts Part-Time Grant Program designed to serve?

The program addresses the growth of part-time students in Massachusetts, including more adults returning to the classroom on a less than full-time basis. It was established to bridge higher education opportunities and segments of the Massachusetts population whose enrollment plans require part-time study.

What residency requirement applies to the Massachusetts Part-Time Grant?

A student must physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year as of the start of the enrolled term and must intend to remain in Massachusetts consistent with Board of Higher Education policy.

What enrollment level is required for the Massachusetts Part-Time Grant?

A student must be enrolled for at least six, or the equivalent, but fewer than 12 undergraduate credits per academic term in an eligible undergraduate degree program or eligible certificate program.