TUITION ADVANTAGE

Massachusetts Community Colleges offer students a quality education at a truly affordable price. The fifteen colleges of the Massachusetts Community Colleges system offer complete degree programs in today's high-demand careers. And, because community college tuition continues to be the most affordable of any segment of public higher education, a college education is more accessible than ever.

Just about everyone who attends a Massachusetts Community College can qualify for some type of financial assistance. Financial aid packages may include grants, loans, and work programs. To estimate a fair student contribution and to determine financial need, colleges calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is subtracted from the cost of attending college to determine your individual need. This information is then used to prepare a financial aid package tailored to your individual needs. Remember, once you've received financial aid, you'll need to reapply every year as long as your need remains.

For more information about the programs listed below, contact a financial aid counselor at the community college of your choice, or the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance at www.osfa.mass.edu

TAP - Tuition Advantage Program was designed to help community college graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or better save money when they transfer to a Massachusetts state college or the University of Massachusetts. Students participating in the TAP program receive a tuition reduction of 33 percent during their first year of transfer and can maintain that discount for an extra year if their first-year GPA is 3.0 or better. Only students enrolled in the Joint Admission Program can take advantage of the Tuition Advantage Program.

Access Grant Program - The Massachusetts Community College Access Grant Program significantly reduces the tuition and fees at community colleges for students enrolled in an associate degree program. Individuals with a household income of $36,000 or less can receive financial assistance sufficient to meet the full cost of tuition and fees. Students with a household income of more than $36,000 can also qualify for financial assistance.

Federal & State Grants - Grant monies awarded to students are preferable to loans because there is no obligation to repay. Grants range from awards of $100-$4000 per academic year. Typically, these grants are combined with other forms of financial aid. Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Massachusetts State Scholarships, Massachusetts Tuition Cash Waiver Program, and Massachusetts Tuition Grants are available to students. For the most up-to-date information regarding these programs, call the financial aid office at your community college.

Loan Programs - Loans allow students to borrow money in order to pay for the cost of tuition. There are long-term, low-interest, variable-interest and no-interest loans available. Contact your college's financial aid office for more information.

Work Programs & Scholarships - A federal work-study program administered by the colleges is available to students wishing to earn extra money by working part time to meet the cost of college expenses. Typically, students may work 10-15 hours per week during the spring and fall semesters and up to 20 hours per week in the summer.

Scholarship programs vary from one college to another. We suggest you meet with a financial aid counselor at your college or contact the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Aid to discuss the types of scholarships available and your eligibility.