High School Completers

In-state tuition rates are not financial aid. In-state tuition rates are discounted tuition rates that charge eligible students less to attend college. Students may be eligible to receive these discounted tuition rates regardless of whether they apply for federal or state financial aid. The in-state tuition rates result in less charges on a student’s account and total cost of attendance than if they were charged the full cost of tuition.

To access in-state tuition rates at NECC, there are two pathways:

Massachusetts High School Completer Status (M.G.L. c. 15A, § 9 par. 5)

• Attend high school in Massachusetts for at least 3 years
• Earn a high school diploma or alternative (e.g., HiSET, GED) in Massachusetts
• Submit required documentation to the institution

Board of Higher Education Residency Status Policy

• Reside in Massachusetts for at least six months for community colleges or one year for state universities and the University of Massachusetts (with parent or legal guardian, if dependent)
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful immigrant ( BHE Motion FAAP 07-24); 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)
• Submit required documentation to the institution

MA State Financial Aid

To be eligible for most types of financial aid, students must complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). Students should only complete ONE financial aid application.

Students must only submit ONE application. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in substantial delays to financial aid application processing and may potentially impact the applicant’s state financial aid award.

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you are a U.S. Citizen or eligible noncitizen. More information on FAFSA eligibility for eligible noncitizens is available on the Federal Student Aid website.
• Complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) if you meet ALL of the following criteria:
  • Are ineligible or unable to complete the FAFSA and
  • Are not present in the United States on a visa or immigration status within the meaning of 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(15)(A-S) (PDF); and
  • Attended three years of high school in Massachusetts and
  • Earned a Massachusetts high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED, HiSet)