The MassEducate and MassReconnect programs allow Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend QCC for free.
Any age! Any income! And both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for certain students.
To be eligible for MassEducate or MassReconnect, you must:
- 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 Quinsigamond Community College and enroll in an approved program of study. Applications are open all year long and there’s never an application fee. Classes start on September 4, 2024 for the Fall 2024 semester.
- Have not yet earned a Bachelor's degree or more than one Associate's degree, or the equivalent.
- 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/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 the college's requirements.
Learn more about how Free Community College in Massachusetts works in our Student FAQ.
MassEducate and MassReconnect are last dollar financial aid grant awards that are 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 MassEducate and MassReconnect. Full program guidelines are available at: Office of Student Financial Assistance / Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
Students who receive MassEducate or MassReconnect awards who are later found to be ineligible, for any reason, may be billed for disbursed funds.
Student FAQs
MassEducate and MassReconnect 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.
| MassEducate | MassReconnect |
| For any student with no previously earned bachelor’s degree and no more than one previously earned associate’s degree | For students 25 and older with no previously earned associate or bachelor’s degree |
| Covers all course-related tuition and fees for eligible courses | Covers all course-related tuition and fees for eligible courses |
| Provides an allowance of up to $1200 per academic year towards books, supplies, and other expenses, based on household income.* | Provides an allowance of up to $600 per semester towards books and supplies, regardless of household income.* |
*Actual allowance amount varies by enrollment.
These programs are available to students who:
- 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 regulations, or
- An approved “High School Completer” per the Massachusetts tuition equity law
- Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent**
- Have not yet earned a Bachelor's degree or more than one Associate's degree, or the equivalent
- 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 the college's requirements.
Eligibility for books and supply allowances may differ between programs.
Students who wish to earn credit for past work experience or life skills can seek Credit for Prior Learning. Email careerservices@qcc.mass.edu for assistance with this process. Please note that any costs associated with Credit for Prior Learning are not covered under free community college or other financial aid programs.
All students must complete the current FAFSA (or, if you are ineligible to file a FAFSA, the MASFA) to be considered eligible for these programs. For the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 semesters, students must complete the 2024-2025 form; a new financial aid application must be submitted each academic year for continued funding.
All eligible students who are enrolled for the fall 2024 semester will have their tuition and fee costs covered. Students who have already paid some or all of their bill will receive a refund for eligible costs according to college policy and individual student circumstances.
Students are eligible for refunds when their financial aid exceeds their unpaid charges for the semester. A refund check will be issued after the funds are received from the state and are applied to the student account.
Complete your enrollment steps and we’ll take it from there! All residents of Massachusetts who meet the above eligibility criteria have access to tuition- and fee-free community college.
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, please complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid(MASFA).
Apply to QCC and enroll in an approved program of study. QCC accepts applications throughout the year and there is never an application fee.
Learn more about these programs
Reach out to Us
For questions, please reach out to QCC's Financial Aid Office.