Free Community College is Here
Free Community College
Free Community CollegeFree Community College covers tuition and fees for all students without a bachelor’s degree at any of Massachusetts’ 15 community colleges.
Students are eligible for Free Community College if they:
- Have not earned a bachelor’s degree* or the equivalent, and
- Meet one of the following requirements:
- Are a Massachusetts High School Completer which means they:
- Attended high school in Massachusetts for at least three years
- Earned a high school diploma or alternative (e.g., HiSET, GED) in Massachusetts OR
- Meet the Board of Higher Education Residency Status Policy, meaning they have:
- Resided in Massachusetts for at least one year (with parent or legal guardian, if dependent) as of the start of the enrolled term
- Are a U.S. citizen or lawful immigrant ( BHE Motion FAAP 07-24 (PDF) ); or authorized by the federal government to live and work in the United States on a temporary or permanent basis ( BHE Motion FAAP 16-20 (PDF))
- Are a Massachusetts High School Completer which means they:
Eligible students must:
- Apply to NECC and enroll in an approved program of study leading to a certificate or degree. Applications are open all year long and there’s never a fee to apply.
- Enroll in at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, if ineligible to complete the FAFSA, the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA)
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with NECC’s requirements.
Certain students, based on income and enrollment, will also receive an allowance of up to $1200 per year for books, supplies, and other approved costs.
*Students enrolled in courses that meet the initial training requirements for emergency medical technical and paramedic certification are also eligible for Free Community College regardless of prior degree earned or number of credits enrolled.
Free Community College is a last-dollar financial aid grant award that is applied to a student’s account after all other state and federal financial aid and grants are applied.
All students are subject to program guidelines and must maintain eligibility throughout the course of their studies to continue to receive financial aid through the Free Community College program. All students must complete the current FAFSA or MASFA to be considered eligible.
For the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters, students must complete the 2026-2027 form; a new financial aid application must be submitted each academic year for continued funding.
Program guidelines for the 2026-2027 academic year are available online (PDF).
Students who receive Free Community College awards who are later found to be ineligible for any reason may be billed for disbursed funds.
Join Us For a Free Community College Information Session
Learn how the Free Community College program can help you earn a college degree at no cost, regardless of your age. Join one of our information sessions to learn more about the program and eligibility requirements.
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November 4, 2026: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Virtual Info Session: Free Community College (2026)
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December 2, 2026: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Virtual Info Session: Free Community College (2026)
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January 27, 2027: 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Virtual Info Session: Free Community College (2027)
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March 17, 2027: 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Virtual Info Session: Free Community College (2027)
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contact us
We’re here to help. Contact us if you have questions.
Enrollment Services
978-556-3700
EnrollmentServices@necc.mass.edu
