Free Community College is Here

Program Eligibility

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA and are an approved “High School Completer” under the Massachusetts tuition equity law, you can complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) and still attend for free.
• Apply to NECC and enroll in an approved program of study. Applications are open all year long and there’s never an application fee. Classes start 7 times each year.
• Have physically resided in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of your first enrolled term.
• Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent (GED or HiSET).
• 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.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with college requirements.
• Cannot have previously earned a U.S. or foreign bachelor’s degree or two associate degrees