MassEducate Student FAQ
Learn more about MassEducate and MassReconnect and apply to Holyoke Community College today!
What are MassEducate and MassReconnect?
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.
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MassEducate |
MassReconnect |
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For any student with no previously earned bachelor’s degree |
For students 25 and older with no previously earned associate or bachelor’s degree |
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Covers all course-related tuition and fees for eligible courses |
Covers all course-related tuition and fees for eligible courses |
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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.
Who is eligible for MassReconnect and MassEducate?
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 (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. For more information, visit Holyoke Community College’s SAP policy.
Eligibility for books and supply allowances may differ between programs.
Students who wish to earn credit for past work experience or life skills should refer to the Student Handbook for more information.
All students must complete the current FAFSA or 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.
How do I know for sure which program I’m eligible for?
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.
How do I enroll?
- 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 Holyoke Community College and enroll in an approved program of study. Holyoke Community College accepts applications throughout the year and there is never an application fee.
If I’ve already paid for the fall 2024 semester will my costs still be covered?
Final awarding guidelines from the Department of Higher Education are still pending. All eligible students who are enrolled for the fall 2024 semester will have their 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.
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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 will be forthcoming.
Students who receive MassEducate or MassReconnect awards who are later found to be ineligible, for any reason, may be billed for disbursed funds.
