Mass Office of Student Financial Assistance

MASSGrant

For students in Massachusetts, the MASSGrant, Mass Office of Student Financial Assistance offers a range of financial aid programs to help alleviate the cost of college. The funds are awarded to full-time undergraduate students enrolled at approved postsecondary institutions. Depending on the type of institution, award amounts vary. However, all grants are based on a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is determined by information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition, students must be in full-time enrollment and maintain satisfactory academic progress to qualify.financialmass.com

There are eight different types of grants available. Each grant is awarded to students based on financial need, and is awarded for an academic year. Awards are also subject to revisions, and recipients must agree to repay any funds not used. Currently, eligibility is limited to 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

To apply for a MASSGrant, students must have a Massachusetts address and be eligible under Title IV regulations. Students must be enrolled in a four-year public institution and must plan to attend school full-time. Applicants must also be in good standing with their financial aid or educational loans. If an applicant has received a previous MASSGrant award, it will count against their eligibility. This program is intended to be a last resort.

MASSGrant awards are limited to the student’s calculated financial need, and will pay for two semesters each year for a four-year or five-year program. During that time, MASSGrant is not eligible for reimbursement for fees, textbooks, or any other non-tuition related costs. Excess funds can be used to offset the costs of living on campus.

MASSGrant Plus is a financial aid grant for full-time students enrolled in an approved postsecondary institution. In addition to tuition and mandatory fees, MASSGrant Plus will cover the cost of room and board. MASSGrant Plus is available to full-time undergraduate students at all nine state universities in Massachusetts. Before being awarded a MASSGrant Plus scholarship, a student must complete the FAFSA and have his or her EFC below $4,995. A student’s EFC is determined by the information he or she has provided on the FAFSA, as well as the Federal methodology need analysis criteria. After considering other sources of funding, a MASSGrant Plus award is finalized.

The Paul Tsongas Scholarship is an additional need-based grant for residents of Massachusetts. It is named for former Massachusetts senator Paul Tsongas. It is awarded to students who are US citizens and demonstrate high academic achievement. To be eligible, a student must have an earned high school GPA of 3.75 or higher and participate in leadership training and workshops. He or she must be a United States citizen, have a US passport, and be a resident of Massachusetts for at least one year. They are also required to comply with the laws of Selective Service Registration.

MASSGrant is a need-based financial aid program that is funded by the state legislature. In addition to covering tuition and fees, MASSGrant Plus is available to full-time students at Massachusetts four-year public colleges.