Free Community College FAQ
Free Community College for Everyone is Here
Learn more about MassEducate & MassReconnect and apply to Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) today!
What are MassEducate and MassReconnect?
MassEducate and MassReconnect allow Massachusetts residents to attend STCC or any of the state’s 15 community colleges and pay no tuition or fees. Both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for eligible students.
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 STCC'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 see our Prior Learning Credit page.
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 STCC and enroll in an approved program of study. STCC 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? Will I receive a refund?
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.
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.