Top 14 Massachusetts Scholarships & Grants for 2027 - 2028

Massachusetts Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

What Is the Massachusetts Cash Grant Program?

The Massachusetts Cash Grant Program is a key source of need-based financial assistance for undergraduate students attending public colleges, community colleges, and universities within the state. Unlike loans, Cash Grant funds do not need to be repaid and are intended to help students close financial gaps not covered by federal or other state aid programs. These funds can be used for tuition, mandatory fees, textbooks, transportation, and other essential academic expenses.

Eligibility for the Cash Grant depends on a student’s financial need as calculated through the FAFSA, Massachusetts residency, and enrollment in an undergraduate degree or certificate program. Award amounts vary by institution and financial circumstances, but the grant is designed to ensure that Massachusetts residents—particularly low-income and first-generation students—have equitable access to higher education. Because each campus distributes funds differently, students should work closely with their financial aid office to understand available support and annual deadlines.

What Is the Income Limit for the Mass Grant?

There is no single fixed income limit for the Massachusetts State Grant (MassGrant). Instead, eligibility is based on financial need, determined through federal financial aid calculations. MassGrant recipients are typically students whose Expected Family Contribution (EFC) places them within Pell Grant eligibility, making this program especially supportive for families with limited financial resources. Eligible students must be Massachusetts residents, attend an approved public or private institution, and be enrolled full-time in their first bachelor’s degree program.

Because MassGrant funding fluctuates each year, award amounts vary depending on state budget allocations, application volume, and individual student need. Students are strongly encouraged to file the FAFSA as early as possible—preferably on the opening date—since MassGrant applications are reviewed in the order received. Early submission increases the likelihood of receiving maximum funding before annual budgets are depleted.

What Scholarships Are Available for International Students in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is home to some of the nation’s top universities, and many of these institutions offer generous scholarships to international students. Merit-based awards are the most common form of aid, recognizing exceptional academic performance, leadership, community engagement, and global citizenship.

• Boston University International Student Scholarship: A competitive award recognizing academic excellence among international applicants.
• Northeastern University Merit Scholarship: Awards top-performing international students with partial tuition support.
• P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship: Provides scholarships to international women pursuing graduate study in the United States or Canada.

Several other Massachusetts institutions—such as UMass Amherst, Brandeis University, Clark University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), and Bentley University—offer institutional grants and merit awards that international students can earn through strong academics or unique achievements. A growing number of private foundations also support global students pursuing degrees in STEM, business, and public policy.

What Scholarships Are Available for College Students in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts college students can access numerous state-funded, institutional, and private scholarships to help reduce their cost of attendance. The flagship MassGrant program provides substantial need-based assistance to full-time undergraduate students, while MASSGrant Plus helps community college students by covering remaining tuition and fees after other grants have been applied. These programs collectively make higher education more accessible to Massachusetts residents.

Many Massachusetts colleges and universities offer their own merit- and need-based scholarships, including:

• Harvard University Scholarships: Need-based support ensuring 100% of demonstrated financial need is met.
• MIT Scholarship Programs: Extensive need-based aid for undergraduates from all backgrounds.
• UMass System Scholarships: Merit awards for academic achievement, leadership, and extracurricular excellence across all UMass campuses.

In addition, local and statewide foundations—such as the Greater Boston Community Foundation, Massachusetts Medical Society, and MassMutual Scholars Program—offer targeted scholarships for students pursuing specific majors, careers, or community service interests.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors in Massachusetts?

High school seniors in Massachusetts can take advantage of both statewide programs and local community-based scholarships. Many of these awards recognize strong academic performance, leadership ability, and resilience in the face of personal or economic challenges.

• Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship: Supports students who have overcome adversity and demonstrated exceptional academic promise.
• Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Program: Offers merit-based scholarships to students in union-affiliated households, with an annual exam component.
• Local and Regional Community Scholarships: Provided by town education foundations, rotary clubs, nonprofits, and cultural organizations across the state.

Many Massachusetts seniors also qualify for tuition waiver programs or special recognition scholarships through their chosen colleges. Students should consult their high school counseling office for detailed information about local awards and deadlines, as these vary widely by region.

What Scholarships Are Available for Graduate Students in Massachusetts?

Graduate students in Massachusetts benefit from a robust ecosystem of institutional funding, private scholarships, and fellowship opportunities. Leading universities in the state offer specialized funding to support advanced study, research, and professional development.

• Boston University MLK Fellowship: Awarded to students committed to advancing social justice and community leadership.
• Suffolk University Public Service Scholarship: Supports graduate students pursuing careers in government, nonprofit management, or public policy.
• Tufts University Graduate Scholarships: Merit-based awards and assistantships for students excelling academically and professionally.
• Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans: A national fellowship supporting immigrant and first-generation graduate students.

Many programs also offer graduate assistantships, which provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching or research work—significantly reducing the overall cost of graduate education.

What Scholarships Are Available for Massachusetts Students?

Massachusetts students can access a broad array of state-supported scholarships aimed at promoting academic achievement, encouraging public service, and supporting underserved communities. These programs include:

• John and Abigail Adams Scholarship: Provides tuition waivers to students scoring in the top tier on MCAS exams who attend a state university or community college.
• Bay State Legacy Scholarship: Supports Massachusetts residents attending public institutions, serving as a major resource for in-state college affordability.
• Mass General Brigham Scholarships: Offers financial support to students pursuing nursing, medical technology, and other healthcare-related degrees.

These programs help ensure that high-achieving students and future healthcare professionals can thrive academically while reducing their financial burden.

What Is the Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship Program?

The Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship Program is designed to strengthen the state’s workforce by supporting students pursuing majors in fields facing critical labor shortages. Eligible programs typically include:

• Healthcare disciplines (nursing, medical assisting, medical technology)
• Information technology and cybersecurity
• Advanced manufacturing technologies
• Engineering fields
• Education and teaching (particularly STEM and special education)

Administered by the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance, this scholarship provides targeted tuition assistance to students enrolled at public colleges and universities. Recipients often gain access to workforce partnerships, apprenticeships, and job placement services that align with Massachusetts’s economic priorities. By addressing high-demand industries, the program plays a vital role in supporting the state’s long-term economic competitiveness and workforce development goals.