Governor Maura Healey announced the MASSGrant Plus Expansion program, $62 million expansion in financial aid for Massachusetts state college students, today at Salem State College.
Healey’s administration says the plan is expected to benefit 25,000 students students at community colleges, state universities, and the University of Massachusetts The program covers a range of educational expenses for Pell Grant-eligible students and significantly reduce costs for middle-income students.
“For so many Massachusetts residents, higher education is a pathway to future career success and economic stability,” Governor Healey said. “This expansion of MASSGrant Plus will open doors for more students to access higher education, thus strengthening our economy.”
The MASSGrant Plus Expansion will cover the full cost of tuition and fees for Pell Grant-eligible students, including the federal government determined expected family contribution (EFC) and an additional allowance for books and supplies. Middle income students, defined as those from families earning between $73,000 and $100,000 annually, will have their tuition and mandatory fees reduced by up to half. The expansion also extends financial aid to both full- and part-time Pell Grant-eligible students for the first time.
“I’m thrilled we’re delivering such a significant investment to nearly 25,000 public higher education students,” Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler said. “Expanding access to higher learning connects more students with the life-changing opportunities our community colleges, state universities, and UMass offer.”
The program will be retroactive to the start of the fall 2023 semester for currently enrolled students. Students who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will benefit automatically, while those who have not are encouraged to apply.
The MASSGrant Plus Expansion will utilize approximately $61.7 million of additional state dollars. The funding is part of the $84 million allocated for financial aid expansion in the FY24 budget, which also supports Massachusetts’ new tuition equity law.
