Tuition Equity Law

Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law

The Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law allows certain non-US citizens*, including undocumented students, to qualify for in-state tuition and state financial aid at public colleges if they meet specific criteria. These students must have attended a Massachusetts high school for at least three years and graduated with a diploma, or earned a GED/HiSET in the state. The Tuition Equity Law is often referred to as the “High School Completers” Tuition Equity program.

Eligible undocumented students are able to pay the same tuition rates as resident students, which are significantly lower than out-of-state rates. This makes higher education more affordable and accessible.

Who Is Eligible For The High School Completers Tuition Equity Program?

You may be eligible for this program if you meet all criteria below:

• You attended a high school in Massachusetts for at least three (3) years.
• You graduated from a Massachusetts high school or earned a GED or HiSet in the state. (Don’t have a diploma, GED or HiSet? MWCC offers Adult Ed programs, click here for info)
• Apply and be accepted to MWCC.
• You submit the Tuition Equity Eligibility Form and Affidavit for High School Completers. or the version for high school seniors. 
• If you decide to apply for state financial aid grants and scholarships as a High School Completer, you will also need to submit the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA)

How Is Residency For The Tuition Equity Program Determined?

MWCC’s tuition and fees are set based on residency classification regulations from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and the New England Board of Higher Education.

In-state tuition is for students who are US citizens, permanent residents, or other non-citizens who may be eligible who have lived in Massachusetts for at least 6 months in a row before the beginning of the semester and intend to continue living in Massachusetts. Under the Tuition Equity Law, undocumented students who attended a Massachusetts high school may qualify for in-state tuition rates as of July 1, 2023.

MWCC Tuition and Fees can be found in our catalog on the Cost of Attendance page.

• For degree-seeking students:
  • When a student who is seeking a degree submits an application to the college, our admissions department determines residency status as part of their process.
• For non-degree-seeking students:
  • Students who are not seeking a degree will complete an in-state tuition eligibility form and supporting documentation as part of their registration process.
• Students whose residency changed:
  • Any student who requests a re-evaluation of their in-state tuition eligibility based on changed circumstances will also complete the in-state tuition eligibility form and submit supporting documentation. A change from out-of-state to in-state tuition rates can take place only after the end of the schedule adjustment period will be effective the following semester.
• Students may also qualify for in-state tuition and fee rates if they are:

  • A member of the armed forces (or spouse or emancipated child) on active duty in Massachusetts

    Any individual using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill® -Active Duty Program), Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation}, or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®), of Title 38, United States Code, and/or the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311 (b)(9)) who lives in Massachusetts while attending MWCC will be charged in-state tuition rate.

How Can I Enroll In The Tuition Equity High School Completer Program?

• Apply to MWCC
• Complete the Tuition Equity Eligibility Form (for all but high school seniors) or the form for high school Seniors and send it to admissions@mwcc.edu

*Students who have DACA, TPS, U-visa or T- visa may be eligible for both in-state tuition and state financial aid consideration if they meet all other requirements. People visiting the U.S. on temporary non-immigrant visas (such as tourist visas, F-1 student visas, exchange visitor visas, or temporary work visas) will not be eligible for in-state tuition rates or state financial aid.