Massachusetts students and residents can take advantage of a number of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid programs to make it easier to afford college. We review some of them below, plus give you some links to find other opportunities available to students in the MA state!
Flickr user Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Massachusetts State Grants
1. Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Program
For students who have overcome major obstacles in their lives, there is the Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Program. Established in 1972, the award is to help those who have overcome mental, physical, geographic, or societal adversities. Eligible students who have demonstrated academic ability can receive up to 50% of demonstrated need at any college within the United States.
Other eligibility requirements include:
- The student must be in 10th or 11th grade
- The student must be nominated by a school, agency, or organization
- A 2.5 GPA minimum
- Be a permanent, legal resident of the state
2. Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program
The Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program is dedicated to current teachers, educators, and providers, and those who wish to enroll in certificate programs or college to advance their career. Award amounts vary on the school the individual is attending – between $250 and $500 per credit for a maximum of $2,250 to 4,500 per semester.
To apply, students must
- Complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Create a MASSAid Student Portal Account
- Be enrolled in a Early Childhood education program or similar
- Agree to continue employment after the schooling is completed
- Be working towards their first bachelor’s or master’s degree
3. Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship Program
This particular program is designed to aid economic growth in the state. The 2022-23 application was available to students who are pursuing a STEM-related degree or a career in healthcare. Awards vary based on enrollment status (full-time vs part-time), and range between $1,000 to $3,250 per semester.
Students interested in applying need to:
- Complete their FAFSA
- Be enrolled in an area of study defined as “high need” that application year
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 after high school
4. Paul Tsongas Scholarship
The Paul Tsongas Scholarship is a merit-based program. Students who have earned at least a 3.75 GPA and at least a 1200 on the SAT (or equivalent on the ACT) are eligible to have their tuition completely waived if they are attending one of 9 participating state universities. The award is renewable each year but the student has to maintain a 3.3 or higher GPA.
4. And More
Other financial aid programs for students in Massachusetts include:
- Agnes M. Lindsay Scholarship Program
- GEAR Up Scholarship
- John and Abigail Adams Scholarship
- LEADA@Liberty Scholarship
- One Family Scholarship Program
- Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant
- Massachusetts Public Service Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- Gilbert Matching Student Grant
- Need-Based Tuition Waiver
- And more
Where Can You Find More Information on Massachusetts Grants?
For additional information about grants, scholarships, and financial aid programs within the state of Massachusetts, we recommend heading over to the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Aid Assistance. There, students can also find resources for loans, tuition reimbursement, guides for paying for college, and more.
Affording college can be stressful, but there are avenues available to you. In fact, there are billions of dollars in scholarships available to students nationwide. Start with our Scholarship Search tool to discover which awards you’re eligible for!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
|
|
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
