Sep 05, 2025  
2025-2026 Catalog 
    
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2025-2026 Catalog

Financial Aid

Wellesley Hills Campus / Enrollment Center / 781-239-2600
Framingham Campus / Room 110A / 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 U.S. Citizen, permanent legal resident or eligible non-citizen under the Title IV regulations.
  • 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.

Non-Citizen students may be eligible to receive state financial assistance if they are an approved “High School Completer” per the Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law

  • Massachusetts resident who has completed a high school diploma or equivalent (GED or HiSET)
  • Have attended a Massachusetts high school for at least three years
  • Registered for Selective Service if born male, and
  • Can provide at least one of the following:
    • Social Security Number, OR
    • Individual Taxpayer ID Number, OR
    • Attest that you will file an application to become a citizen or legal permanent resident within 120 days after becoming eligible to do so

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 studentaid.gov (NOTE: If you are a dependent student your parent must also create a 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 1st prior to each fall semester. The priority deadline for Federal and State Financial Aid is May 1st 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 1st, 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. 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 - www.massbay.edu/financialaid - or by contacting the Financial Aid Office.

Sources of Financial Aid

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 Student Aid Index (SAI), meet all of the general Title IV student eligibility requirements, and not have a prior bachelor’s degree. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not need to be repaid, except under certain circumstances. You may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.

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 $1,800 to $42,000 for the entire academic year, and does not need to be repaid.

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 studentaid.gov.

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 - studentaid.gov. 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 - studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that provides part-time jobs on campus and in nonprofit institutions 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 eligibility award does not guarantee a student a job. If you are awarded FWS, please visit our website at www.massbay.edu/finance/fws to view a listing of available positions.

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 - www.massbay.edu/veterans.

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 - www.mass.edu/osfa/home.

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 - www.mass.edu/osfa/home.

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 - www.mass.edu/osfa/home.

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 - www.mass.edu/osfa/home.

Free Community College Programs: MassReconnect and MassEducate

MassReconnect and MassEducate 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.

  • 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 regulation  OR
    • An approved “High School Completer” per the Massachusetts tuition equity law
  • Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent
  • Have not earned an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
    • However, if you have only one Associate’s degree, you may be eligible for MassEducate.
  • 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 (guest students are not eligible): At MassBay EMT, Central Processing, Computed Tomography, and Phlebotomy are not financial aid eligible.

Tuition-Free Community College (TFCC)

Currently, only students who are already receiving TFCC will receive funds in 2024-2025 and future academic years until further notice.

TFCC is a program through the City of Boston that has committed to paying for up to three years of college for all residents. All Boston residents, regardless of age, income, or immigration status, are eligible for TFCC funds. To be eligible, you must:

  • Be a Boston resident.
  • Enroll in an associate degree program or short-term certificate program.
  • Complete the FAFSA if eligible to do so.

For more information, please visit: www.boston.gov/departments/workforce-development/tuition-free-community-college-plan#eligibility.

Transfer Scholarships

Various scholarships are available to assist MassBay graduates seeking transfer to four-year institutions. For more information on requirements and application deadlines for transfer scholarships, please contact the College’s Transfer Counselor or the four-year institution directly. More information can be found here: www.massbay.edu/admissions/accepted/advising-transfer-students.

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 www.massbay.edu/scholarships. 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.