Free College

MassEducate and MassReconnect allow 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. Both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for certain students.  

*Actual allowance amount varies by enrollment. 

These programs are available to students who:

• Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the enrolled term.
• Are either: 
  • A U.S. Citizen, permanent legal resident, or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations, or
  • An approved “High School Completer” per the Massachusetts tuition equity law.
• Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent (GED/HiSET).
• Are enrolled in at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the college's requirements.

Eligibility for books and supply allowances may differ between programs.

All students must complete the current FAFSA or MASFA to be considered eligible for these programs. For the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 semesters, students must complete the 2024-2025 form; a new financial aid application must be submitted each academic year for continued funding. 

Complete the FAFSA and your enrollment steps at Bristol, and we’ll take it from there! All residents of Massachusetts who meet the above eligibility criteria have access to tuition- and fee-free community college. 

Funding for MassEducate and MassReconnect can only be awarded to eligible students who have registered for classes and completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). MassReconnect funds are being awarded now, but we must wait for the state’s final guidelines before we can award funds for MassEducate. 

In the meantime, registered students who have been identified as potentially eligible for MassEducate will see a placeholder for $1 on their student account, which can be viewed in myBristol. We anticipate the final awarding to be completed by the end of August. At that time, students who are verified to be eligible will see the $1 replaced with the final award amount.

Community college can be free for students based on various sources, including Pell or MassGrantPlus, as well as MassReconnect or MassEducate. It’s important to note that some students that meet the criteria for MassReconnect or MassEducate may be fully funded through a combination of other sources. As last-dollar programs, MassReconnect and MassEducate will only apply if you haven’t already been covered by other federal or state funding. 

A high school diploma is an eligibility requirement for MassEducate. As a result, early college and dual enrollment students are not eligible. 

Certificates that are financial aid eligible can be covered by MassReconnect or MassEducate. Click here to see a full list of financial aid eligible certificates.

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA and are an approved “High School Completer” under the Massachusetts tuition equity law, please complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA).

2. Apply to Bristol Community College and enroll in an approved program of study. Bristol accepts applications throughout the year and there is never an application fee. 

Haven’t registered for classes? Be sure to do so as soon as possible. These funds can only be awarded once you are registered. 

All registered students should proceed with the next steps in their enrollment process, including: 

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA and are an approved “High School Completer” under the Massachusetts tuition equity law, you can complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) and still attend for free.
• Ensure all outstanding Financial Aid requirements have been met. A list of outstanding documents can be viewed on myBristol > Finances and Aid > #5 View Outstanding & Missing Documents/Financial Aid Holds.
• Complete your health insurance waiver: Students registered for nine or more credits are automatically charged for health insurance. Please note, MassReconnect and MassEducate do not cover the cost of health insurance that is automatically placed on your bill. Providing proof of insurance through the waiver will satisfy the health insurance charge on your bill. Log on to myBristol and navigate to the Finances and Aid section to complete the waiver. 
• Complete any remaining steps of the Admitted Students Checklist.

Books and supplies may be covered through several of these programs. More information will be shared on this when you receive information on your final award. 

In the meantime, we know that getting your books in advance of the start of classes is an important part of your success. While the college awaits final guidelines from the state, students who have been identified as someone who may be eligible for the MassEducate program will be awarded interim book advances. Eligible students will receive an email with more details.  

Yes! MassEducate and MassReconnect are available to students regardless of need! Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible.  

Final awarding guidelines from the Department of Higher Education are still pending. All eligible students who are enrolled for the Fall 2024 semester will have their costs covered. Students who have already paid some or all of their bill will receive a refund for eligible costs according to college policy and individual student circumstances. 

If it is determined that you are eligible for MassEducate when those funds become available, your account will be refunded. Refunds are processed at the end of October. 

Due to the short amount of time between the state’s approval of the program and the start of the semester, there will be some lag time between the bill due date and the award distribution. Rest assured, you will not face any enrollment disruptions due to non-payment until after the final awards have been communicated. 

Yes. Please email the Financial Aid office at FinancialAid@BristolCC.edu from your Bristol email address, asking to decline your loans. 

We are still waiting on final awarding guidelines from the state for these new grant funds. If you are eligible, your current award package for the fall semester will be automatically updated once these guidelines are implemented. We expect those guidelines in the next few weeks. 

Yes, MassEducate is a new initiative that opens doors for even more students! MassEducate will now offer tuition- and fee- free community college to all Massachusetts residents, regardless of age, who have yet to earn a bachelor’s degree.  You can visit BristolCC.edu/FreeCollege for more information on eligibility criteria!