Financial Aid

Wellesley Hills Campus / Enrollment Center / 781-239-2600
Framingham Campus / Room 114H / 508-270-4010

Office of Financial Aid Mission

MassBay Community College is committed to providing access to higher education by reducing economic barriers. The role of the Financial Aid Office is to provide information about student aid programs and to assist eligible students in accessing these programs. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid to help meet the expenses of attending college.

Financial Aid Eligibility Guidelines

In order to receive financial assistance from federal and state student aid programs, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen or eligible non-citizen of the U.S.
• Have a high school diploma, General Education Development (GED) certificate, or have completed a high school education in a home school setting that is recognized as a home school under state law.
• Enroll in an eligible program as a matriculated student seeking a degree or certificate. An admissions application must be completed and received by the Admissions Office.
• Meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards.
• Certify that you are not in default on a federal loan or owe money on a federal grant.
• Certify that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes.

Financial Aid Application Process

To apply for financial aid, follow these two easy steps:

1. Create an FSA ID. The Federal Student Aid (FSA) IDID is used to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID is used to authenticate your identity when accessing your financial aid information. You can create an FSA ID at https://studentaid.gov (NOTE: If you are a dependent student your parent must also create an FSA ID).  Save your FSA ID to use again in future years.
2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at fafsa.gov. The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid. List “Massachusetts Bay Community College” in the College Release Section; our federal school code number is 002171. Submit additional documents to the Office of Financial Aid if requested by MassBay.

The first day to file a FAFSA is October 1^st prior to each fall semester. The priority deadline for Federal Financial Aid is May 1^st prior to each fall semester. Students who complete the application process and have submitted all requested documents by the priority deadline date will have an award decision prior to the start of the fall semester. The priority deadline for those entering the College in January (i.e. spring semester) is October 1^st, each year. If a student has not completed his or her file by the priority deadline, they may be responsible for settling their fall bill without the benefit of financial aid. However, we will review late applications and if a student is eligible, financial aid will be awarded to the student. If the financial aid award should cover the bill, it is possible the student would be refunded the payment(s) they made to initially satisfy their bill. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid with any questions. The staff is happy to assist you.

Changes in federal, state, and/or institutional policy could affect information contained in this Catalog.

The U.S. government places the primary financial responsibility of a college education on the student and the student’s family. Financial aid is considered only a supplement to a student’s personal resources.

To Receive Financial Aid

A student’s financial aid award will be adjusted to reflect any change in the number of credits for which they are currently registered.

Please note:

• Full time = 12 or more credits
• 3/4 time = 9-11 credits
• 1/2 time = 6-8 credits
• Less than 1/2 time = 5 credits or fewer

Certain financial programs require specific credit loads. Please visit the Financial Aid Office for details. You may obtain a copy of the Financial Aid Award Guide, which further explains the eligibility requirements for financial aid by visiting our webpage at MassBay Financial Aid and selecting Financial Aid Forms at the bottom or by visiting or calling the Financial Aid Office.

Sources of Financial Aid

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that provides part-time jobs in nonprofit institutions on- and off-campus. FWS funds are awarded on a funds available basis. Eligibility is determined from the information provided on the FAFSA. If a student is awarded FWS, the amount shown on the financial aid award notification reflects the maximum amount he or she may earn during the academic year. FWS employees will receive a paycheck every two weeks based on the actual number of hours worked and the pay rate. FWS funds are not credited to a student’s account. Please be aware that a Federal Work-Study award does not guarantee a student a job. If you are awarded FWS, please visit our website or the Office of Financial Aid to view a listing of available positions and to complete any necessary paperwork.

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant program from the federal government for undergraduate students with significant need. In order to be eligible for a Pell Grant, a student must have a valid Expected Family Contribution (EFC), meet all of the general Title IV student eligibility requirements, and not have a prior bachelor’s degree.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is a need-based grant from the federal government for undergraduate students with significant financial need. FSEOG is awarded based on availability, typically to students who are recipients of the Federal Pell Grant. The amount of a typical FSEOG award can range between $800 to $2000 for the entire academic year.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program

Stafford loans were created by the U.S. Department of Education, enabling students to borrow to help pay educational expenses. MassBay is responsible for determining eligibility based on the results of the FAFSA and current federal regulations. The loan(s) are taken out in the student’s name, and there is no credit check required to qualify for this program. The government sets a limit on the amount a student can borrow each year. First-year dependent students are eligible to borrow up to a maximum of $5,500, for sophomores $6,500 (For independent students the loan limits for first-year students are $9,500 and $10,500 for sophomores). All recipients must complete federally mandated loan counseling and complete a master promissory note prior to the disbursement of funds. Exit counseling must be completed before graduation, at termination of enrollment, or if enrollment drops below six (6) credits in a semester. Students must be enrolled in at least six (6) credits in a semester to be eligible.

Subsidized Direct Stafford Loans are need-based and do not accrue interest while a student is enrolled at least half-time.

Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans are not need-based and accrue interest while a student is enrolled. Students may choose to defer the interest and pay it with the principal amount upon graduation or less than half-time enrollment, or pay the interest on a quarterly basis while still enrolled. Repayment for both Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans begins six months after a student graduates, withdraws, or is attending school less than half-time (five credits or fewer).

For additional information regarding these federal loan programs including current interest rates, fees, and repayment options, please visit the Direct Loan website at Federal Student Loans.

Federal Parents’ Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

The Parent PLUS loan is a federal loan that parents of dependent students can borrow to help pay for educational expenses. Parents PLUS loan applications and master promissory notes are accessible online at Apply for a PLUS Loan. The disbursement of Parent PLUS loan funds is administered by MassBay. Parents are eligible to borrow up to the cost of attendance minus all other sources of financial aid. Repayment begins within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed.

For additional information regarding these federal loan programs, including current interest rates, fees and repayment options, please visit the Direct Loan website at Federal Student Aid Loans.

GI Education Benefits

MassBay is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs to certify students eligible to receive Veterans Administration (V.A.) benefits. Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, reservists, and dependents of 100% disabled or deceased veterans may be eligible for V.A. education benefits because of their service. Students may apply for educational benefits for full, three-quarter, or part-time enrollment. The V.A. Certifying Official provides the appropriate guidance to apply for G.I. Bill ® benefits and is responsible for certifying enrollment status to the V.A., which results in the payment of benefits to a student. However, the V.A. Certifying Official does not determine eligibility for benefits.

Massachusetts residents who are members in good standing with the Massachusetts National Guard are eligible for a waiver of tuition and fees for day and evening credit classes. For information about eligibility requirements and application procedures, please see the Veterans Affairs Counselor located in the Office of Student Development, or visit MassBay Veteran and Military Services.

As part of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, section 3679(e) of Title 38, United States Code, MassBay will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapters 31 or 33.

MASSGrant

This grant is awarded to full-time (12 credits or more each semester) students who are Massachusetts residents and who do not have a prior bachelor’s degree. A FAFSA must be filed by the May 1 priority deadline to be considered for this grant.

MASSGrant PLUS

A need-based grant awarded to full-time and part-time students attending Massachusetts public community colleges. Students may be eligible for additional funding to help pay their tuition and fees charges only. For specific details on this program, please visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance website at OSFA.

Massachusetts Part-Time Grant

This grant is awarded to Massachusetts residents who are enrolled in six to 11 credits each semester and do not have a prior bachelor’s degree. The Massachusetts Part-Time Grant is awarded on a funds-available basis.

Massachusetts Need-Based Tuition Waivers

This is funding provided to MassBay from the State of Massachusetts. This state-funded tuition waiver program (does not need to be repaid) is available to undergraduate students who are Massachusetts residents. Students must be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for at least one year prior to the opening of the academic year and be a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen eligible under Federal Title IV regulations. Students must not have a prior bachelor’s degree. Eligibility is based on demonstrated financial need and actual tuition charged for state supported undergraduate degree or certificate program offered by the institution. These funds are limited and students with high financial need are given first priority. For additional information please visit the MA Office of Student Financial Assistance at OSFA.

Massachusetts John & Abigail Adams Scholarship

This scholarship is a merit-based, state supported undergraduate tuition waiver program. Merit is based on student scores on the 10th grade Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test. Award amounts are based on actual tuition charged for state supported undergraduate degree programs (certificates programs are not eligible) offered by MassBay. Forward a copy of your eligibility letter from the Massachusetts Department of Education to the Financial Aid Office. If you have misplaced your letter, you may contact the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education at 781-338-3625 or 781-338-3640. You may also contact the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance at 617-391-6070. In order to receive this scholarship, eligible students must be enrolled full-time and annually complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For additional information please visit the MA Office of Student Financial Assistance at OSFA.

Massachusetts Cash Grant

This is funding provided to MassBay from the State of Massachusetts. This state-funded grant program (does not need to be repaid) is available to undergraduate students who are Massachusetts residents. Students must be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for at least one year prior to the opening of the academic year and be a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen eligible under Federal Title IV regulations. Students must not have a prior bachelor’s degree. Eligibility is based on demonstrated financial need and actual tuition and fees charged for state supported undergraduate degree or certificate program offered by the institution. These funds are limited and students with high financial need are given first priority. For additional information please visit the MA Office of Student Financial Assistance at OSFA.

Transfer Scholarships

Various scholarships are available to assist MassBay graduates seeking transfer to four-year institutions. Below is a sample list. For more information on requirements and application deadlines for these and other transfer scholarships, please contact the College’s Transfer Counselor or the four-year institution directly.

• Boston University
  Two (2) renewable scholarships for full tuition are available. Students must be a Boston public high school graduate, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a 3.5 GPA, and have completed a minimum of 60 transferable credits
• Boston University’s Metropolitan College Community Scholars’ Program
  Boston University’s Metropolitan College provides the opportunity to complete a Bachelor’s degree in their evening and weekend program. This scholarship will cover 50% of tuition costs for up to 12 credits per semester, through the completion of a student’s Bachelor’s degree. Students must be graduating from MassBay with an Associate degree and a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship is awarded each fall and spring semester.
• ​New England Transfer Association Scholarship
  Three $1,000 awards are granted each year to students who have earned an associate degree or completed 60 college-level credits with a 3.5 GPA. Recipients must be transferring to a New England Transfer Association (NETA) affiliated 4-year institution. A NETA member must nominate a student for consideration, and an essay is required. This scholarship is awarded each spring.
• The Osher Reentry Scholarship
  Awarded to newly entering UMass Boston students who are returning to college after an interruption in study of five years. This five-year timeframe need not be consecutive. Osher Reentry Scholars will receive up to a $5,000.00 per year scholarship. The scholarship is potentially renewable.
• UMass-Community College Scholars Program
  This program awards up to $10,000 per year for students transferring to any University of Massachusetts campus. Requirements include completion of an Associate degree, a minimum 3.75 GPA, Massachusetts residency, and full-time status upon transfer. The award may be renewable for up to two years and is awarded each fall and spring semester.
• UMass-Amherst Community College Academic Honors Program
  To be eligible for this program, a student must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and at least 45 earned academic credits towards a MassBay degree at the time of application, be completing an associate degree, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and plan to enroll in the day division. Awards of up to $2,500 per year are possible. This scholarship is awarded each fall and spring semester.
• UMass-Boston Foster Furcolo Scholarship
  This scholarship pays for two years’ tuition and mandatory fees at UMass-Boston. To apply for this scholarship, a student must have completed or be in process of completing an associate degree program at MassBay with a minimum 3.5 GPA. This scholarship is awarded each spring.
• UMass-Boston Chancellor’s Scholarship for Excellence
  This scholarship can provide full tuition and mandatory fees while a student attends UMass- Boston. To qualify for the scholarship, a student must demonstrate one of the following: academic excellence with a 3.5 transfer GPA, excellence in the arts, or excellence in unpaid public or community service. This scholarship is awarded each fall and spring semester.
• UMass-Lowell Community College Transfer Scholarship
  To be eligible for this program, a student must have earned a minimum 3.7 GPA and at least 45 earned academic credits towards a MassBay degree at the time of application, be completing an associate degree, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and plan to enroll in the day division. Awards of up to $2,500 per year are possible. This scholarship is awarded each fall and spring semester.

Senator Paul E. Tsongas Scholarship

The Paul Tsongas Scholarship Program seeks to recognize achievement and reward Massachusetts students who have graduated from high school within three years with a grade point average (G.P.A.) of 3.75 and highly competitive Scholastic Aptitude Test (S.A.T.) scores (or the American College Testing [A.C.T.] equivalent) and who also meet the one-year residency requirement for tuition classification at state colleges or universities. Students who meet the above residency requirement for tuition classification and who have pursued other endeavors for a minimum of five years are eligible to apply to a state college or university for the Paul Tsongas Scholarship Program under the exceptional life experience category set forth in the guidelines. Eligible students receive a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at a Massachusetts state college or university. For more information, visit Paul Tsongas Scholarship.

To be eligible for a Paul Tsongas Scholarship, a student must:

• Meet eligibility criteria established by the state college or university and approved by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education
• Be a permanent resident of Massachusetts for at least one year prior to the opening of the academic year
• Be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Be in compliance with applicable Selective Service Registration Laws
• Not be in default of any federal or state loan or owe a refund on any previously received financial aid
• Maintain a G.P.A. of 3.3 for continued eligibility for the waiver for four years of study

MassBay Community College Scholarship Opportunities

Thanks to gifts from generous donors, the MassBay Foundation offers scholarships to support our students to achieve their academic goals. 

All current scholarships are listed online at MassBay Community College Scholarship Opportunities. For information or assistance, please contact us by email at foundation@massbay.edu or call 781-239-3126. We are happy to hear from you.