MassTransfer A2B + Commonwealth Commitment
If you plan to start your higher education journey at a community college, and then intend a transfer to a 4-year public Massachusetts school, take advantage of Commonwealth Commitment. The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education created the Commonwealth Commitment to provide students a cost-effective pathway to earn both an associate and bachelor's degree in Massachusetts.
Requirements
- Earn an associate degree at a Massachusetts community college within 2.5 years
- Transfer to a MA state university or UMass campus and complete your bachelor's within 2 years
Benefits
- Guaranteed transfer of 60 credits to any Massachusetts public college or university
- No application fee
- No application essay
- Guaranteed admission to 4-year Massachusetts school if transferring with a 2.5 or higher GPA
- MassTransfer Tuition Credit if transferring with a 3.0 or higher GPA
- Freeze on tuition and mandatory fees upon program entry if attending full time and transferring with a 3.0 or higher GPA
- 10% rebate off tuition and mandatory fees (payable at the end of every semester) if attending full time and maintaining a 3.0 or higher GPA
MA State Financial Aid
Whether you apply for college admission at a two or four-year school, know that Massachusetts offers several types of financial aid to help with college costs. Colleges and universities will automatically consider you for most types of aid available, though there are certain opportunities that require additional steps.
Requirements
- Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
- Visit the MA Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) website to find out additional requirements for certain aid opportunities
- Demonstrate financial need or academic merit or meet other qualifications based on type of aid
Benefits
- Grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, no-interest loans, and tuition reimbursement
MassTransfer A2B Degree
After earning your associate degree at a Massachusetts community college, easily transfer 60 credits to a Massachusetts 4-year college or university, and save money during the application process and on tuition charges based on your GPA. Hundreds of majors are offered in the A2B program.
Requirements
- Complete an approved program at a Massachusetts community college
- Earn at least a 2.0 GPA in that program
Benefits
- Guaranteed transfer of 60 credits to any Massachusetts public college or university
- No application fee
- No application essay
- Guaranteed admission to 4-year Massachusetts school if transferring with a 2.5 or higher GPA
- MassTransfer Tuition Credit if transferring with a 3.0 or higher GPA
MassTransfer Gen Ed Foundation
Starting your bachelor's degree at a community college can likely save you money. And through the MassTransfer Gen Ed Foundation, you'll receive a guaranteed transfer of 34 community college credits, helping you to save time and money once you transfer to a 4-year school.
Requirements
- Complete 34 credits at a Massachusetts community college
- Earn at least a 2.0 GPA on those credits
Benefits
- Guaranteed transfer of 34 credits to any Massachusetts public college or university
Tuition Break
As you begin the admissions process and start your search for affordable college options, make sure to explore Tuition Break. Created by the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE), Tuition Break provides Massachusetts students a reduction on tuition prices when enrolling in eligible out-of-state academic programs not offered at an in-state school. As you consider potential majors and colleges, make sure you make Tuition Break part of your planning.
Requirements
- Be a resident of a New England state
- Enroll at a New England college or university in an eligible major not offered at a public college or university in your home state
- Work with the college or university to ensure approved participation in Tuition Break
Benefits
- Discount on your college tuition bill
MassReconnect
If you're a Massachusetts resident 25 years of age or older, MassReconnect will pay for your tuition and fees to earn an associate degree or certificate at any Massachusetts community college, and also provide an allowance to cover your books and supplies.
Requirements
- Be 25 or older on the first day of class
- Reside in MA for at least one year with an intent to stay
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or eligible non-citizen under Title IV regulations
- Have no prior associate or bachelor's degree
- Enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Submit the FAFSA
Benefits
- Free community college tuition and fees
- An allowance for books and supplies
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