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The Opportunity You’ve Been Waiting For

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

The free college initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a college degree, opening doors for thousands of students across the state. 

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! 

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Free Community College For Eligible Residents

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

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What Costs Are Covered By Free College?

Free Community College covers all course-related tuition and fees for eligible courses and provides an allowance of up to $1200 per academic year towards books, supplies, and other expenses for students whose household income at or below 125% of the state median income.

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What Programs Are Eligible For Free College?

Associate degrees and career certificates that are financial-aid eligible would both be available to 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.

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Who Is Eligible For Free College?

Students are eligible for Free Community College if they:

  • Have not earned a bachelor’s degree* or the equivalent, and
  • Meet one of the following requirements:
    • Are a Massachusetts High School Completer which means they:
      • Attended high school in Massachusetts for at least three years
      • Earned a high school diploma or alternative (e.g., HiSET, GED) in Massachusetts

OR

  • Meet the Board of Higher Education Residency Status Policy, meaning they have:
    • Resided in Massachusetts for at least one year (with parent or legal guardian, if dependent) as of the start of the enrolled term
    • Are a U.S. citizen or lawful immigrant; or authorized by the federal government to live and work in the United States on a temporary or permanent basis
  • Are enrolled in either:
    • at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate or
    • courses that meet the initial training requirements for emergency medical technical and paramedic certification, regardless of credits enrolled.

Students who are current early college high school or dual enrollment students are not eligible for Free Community College. Past enrollment in early college or dual enrollment does not make a student ineligible for free community college if they have earned their high school diploma or equivalent.

*Students with prior bachelor’s degrees who are pursuing EMT or paramedic are not excluded.

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?

Fill out our form to learn more today!

Free College for Massachusetts Residents