The Opportunity You’ve Been Waiting For

Massachusetts is making higher education accessible to everyone with free community college tuition for eligible residents.

The MassEducate and MassReconnect initiatives aim to alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a college degree, opening doors for thousands of students across the state. Spearheaded by state legislators and education advocates, this policy not only promises to make college education more equitable but also seeks to foster a skilled workforce prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

The introduction of free community college tuition represents a significant step in Massachusetts’ commitment to educational equity and economic prosperity. By removing financial barriers, the state aims to empower students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue their academic aspirations without the looming specter of student debt. This initiative not only supports individual students but also bolsters the state’s workforce readiness, ensuring that Massachusetts remains competitive in industries ranging from technology to healthcare.

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Ready For Your Future?

Have you recently thought about changing your career? Well, your time is now at Mount Wachusett Community College. With Massachusetts Free College, you don’t have to worry about loans or debt! Click below to learn more about the MassEducate and MassReconnect programs.

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Free Community College for Eligible Residents

What Is MassEducate?

MassEducate allows Massachusetts residents of any age tuition-free education at the fifteen community colleges in Massachusetts. MassEducate increases access to education and supports workforce development and economic growth in Massachusetts.

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What Costs Are Covered By MassEducate?

Eligible students would have tuition and mandatory fees for eligible courses covered. MassEducate will also provide an allowance of up to $1,000 per academic year toward books, supplies, and other expenses, based on household income.

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What Programs Are Eligible For Mass Educate?

Associate degrees and career certificates that are financial-aid eligible would both be available to MassEducate students (Exceptions for both credit and non-credit EMT programs). Certain programs may require a minimum GPA and/or completion of prerequisites. Our advisors can help you if you aren’t sure if your program is financial-aid eligible.

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What’s Next?

Apply to MWCC now: Begin your journey today!

Complete the FAFSA: The FAFSA is required to take advantage of state and federal aid.

Apply NowComplete the FAFSA

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Who Is Eligible For MassEducate?

  • A student who has not previously earned a bachelor’s (4 year) degree (Exceptions for EMT students)
  • Students must physically reside in Massachusetts for at least 1 year as of the first day of class
  • The student is a US Citizen, permanent legal resident, or non-citizen eligible under the Title IV regulations OR an approved “High School Completer” per the Massachusetts tuition equity law.
  • Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Students must be taking at least 6 credits (usually 2 classes) each semester in an approved degree or certificate program
  • Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, as outlined in the MWCC policies.

NOTE: Students can only be considered for financial aid – state or federal – if they have completed the FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or MASFA for tuition equity students)  If you have not yet completed your FAFSA for the coming year, click here to complete it as soon as possible. Need help? We offer FAFSA Fridays, our financial aid team will help you through the process.

Free Community College for Adults over 25

What Is MassReconnect?

MassReconnect funds free community college for adults 25 and older who do not already have a college degree.

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What Costs Are Covered By MassReconnect?

Eligible students would have tuition and mandatory fees for eligible courses covered.  MassReconnect also provides an allowance of up to $600 per semester toward books and supplies, regardless of household income (varies based on student enrollment and capped at $1000 per year).

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What Programs Are Eligible For MassReconnect?

Associate degrees and career certificates that are financial-aid eligible would both be available to MassReconnect students. Certain programs may require a minimum GPA and/or completion of prerequisites. Our advisors can help you if you aren’t sure if your program is financial-aid eligible.

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What’s Next?

Apply to MWCC now: Begin your journey today!

Complete the FAFSA: The FAFSA is required to take advantage of state and federal aid.

Apply NowComplete the FAFSA

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Who Is Eligible For MassReconnect?

  • Students must be 25 years old or older on the first day of classes
  • Students must physically reside in Massachusetts for at least 1 year as of the first day of class
  • The student is a US Citizen, permanent legal resident, or non-citizen eligible under the Title IV regulations OR an approved “High School Completer” per the Massachusetts tuition equity law.
  • Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Students must be taking at least 6 credits (usually 2 classes) each semester in an approved degree or certificate program
  • Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, as outlined in the MWCC policies.

NOTE: Students can only be considered for financial aid – state or federal – if they have completed the FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or MASFA for tuition equity students)  If you have not yet completed your FAFSA for the coming year, click here to complete it as soon as possible. Need help? We offer FAFSA Fridays, our financial aid team will help you through the process.

Visit MWCC To Learn More!

MWCC admission counselors are here to make sure you’re comfortable with the enrollment process, have opportunities to ask important questions and feel confident that you have the information you need. Join us on our Gardner and Leominster campuses for a general information session followed by a campus tour, attend a virtual information session, or grab a map and take a self-guided visit to our main campus.

View Campus Tours

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Gardner, MA Campus

The main college campus features state-of-the-art classrooms and labs, a 515-seat theatre, fitness center, student center, student service offices, administrative offices, and a cafeteria.

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Leominster, MA Campus

The MWCC Leominster campus is a recently renovated campus with state-of-the-art classrooms and common areas designed to serve our students in the Leominster area.

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Fitchburg, MA Dental Campus

MWCC partners with Community Health Connections of Fitchburg, MA where many of the dental program classes are held.

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Gardner, MA Automotive Campus

Our new Automotive Technology Center is an 11,000 sq foot freshly remodeled space

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Questions?

Contact our MassEducate and MassReconnect Navigator, Michelle Mahoney at 978-630-9380 or via email at mmahoney10@mwcc.mass.edu.

Fill out our form to learn more today!

Free College for Massachusetts Residents