The Massachusetts Cash Grant Program is a state-funded initiative that provides direct financial assistance to undergraduate students attending public colleges and universities within Massachusetts. This need-based program helps low- and moderate-income students cover tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses. The grant is designed to supplement federal and state financial aid programs—such as the Pell Grant and MASSGrant—to ensure students can afford to complete their degrees. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by each institution’s financial aid office based on information submitted through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Massachusetts State Grant (Mass Grant) is a need-based program that assists residents attending eligible public or private colleges in Massachusetts. There is no fixed income limit; instead, eligibility is determined annually using federal financial aid data. In general, students whose Expected Family Contribution (EFC) falls within Pell Grant eligibility guidelines are given priority. Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students, demonstrate significant financial need, and meet Massachusetts residency requirements. Award amounts vary each year depending on available state funding and individual financial circumstances.
Massachusetts institutions attract thousands of international students each year, and many offer merit-based scholarships to help reduce educational costs. The International Student Scholarship at Boston University and the Merit Scholarship at Northeastern University are two competitive programs that recognize exceptional academic performance and leadership. Additionally, private awards like the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship support international women pursuing graduate studies in the United States. Many Massachusetts colleges—including UMass Amherst, Brandeis University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute—offer institutional scholarships specifically for international applicants demonstrating academic excellence and community involvement.
Massachusetts college students have access to a broad range of financial aid programs supported by the state, universities, and private organizations. The flagship Mass Grant provides need-based financial assistance for full-time undergraduates attending eligible institutions. For community college students, the MASSGrant Plus program covers remaining tuition and fees after other grants and scholarships have been applied. Institutional scholarships are also widely available at top universities such as Harvard, MIT, and the University of Massachusetts system. Additionally, local foundations—like the Greater Boston Community Foundation—offer private scholarships for residents across a range of academic fields and backgrounds.
Massachusetts high school seniors can apply for numerous scholarship opportunities that reward academic excellence, leadership, and community service. The Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship supports academically promising students who have overcome personal or financial challenges. The Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship is awarded to students affiliated with organized labor families and includes an annual exam component. Many local organizations and community foundations across the state also sponsor scholarships for graduating seniors planning to attend Massachusetts colleges or universities, often focusing on fields like healthcare, education, or public service.
Graduate students in Massachusetts can access a range of institutional and private awards. Programs such as the MLK Fellowship at Boston University and the Public Service Scholarship at Suffolk University provide funding to students committed to leadership and social justice. Tufts University offers graduate school scholarships based on academic performance and professional goals, while national programs like the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans support immigrant and first-generation graduate students. Many Massachusetts universities also provide research assistantships or teaching fellowships that include tuition waivers and stipends for qualified students.
Massachusetts students have access to several statewide programs that reward strong academic performance and public service. The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship offers tuition waivers to students who score highly on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exams and attend a state university or community college. The Bay State Legacy Scholarship supports in-state students pursuing degrees at Massachusetts public institutions, helping reduce the overall cost of attendance. Additionally, the Mass General Brigham Scholarships fund students interested in healthcare and medical careers, addressing workforce shortages across the state’s healthcare system.
The Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship Program provides targeted financial aid for students enrolled in programs that align with the state’s workforce needs. Eligible majors typically include healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, education, and other high-demand fields. The scholarship supports students attending public colleges and universities within the state and is administered through the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance. By encouraging enrollment in industries critical to Massachusetts’s economic growth, the program helps ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals for the state’s future workforce.
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