{"id":2892,"date":"2025-08-20T13:18:51","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T13:18:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/admissions\/?page_id=2892"},"modified":"2026-08-27T15:32:44","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T15:32:44","slug":"free-college","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/admissions\/free-college\/","title":{"rendered":"Free Community College"},"content":{"rendered":"

Free Community College allows Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor\u2019s degree to attend any of the state\u2019s 15 community colleges and pay no tuition or fees. The program includes an allowance for books and supplies for certain students, based on income and enrollment.<\/p>\n

Eligibility<\/h2>\n

To be eligible for free college, you must:<\/p>\n

<\/span>Complete the FAFSA<\/div>
\n

If you are not eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and are an approved “High School Completer”<\/a> under the Massachusetts tuition equity law, you can complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) and still attend for free.<\/p>\nComplete the FAFSA <\/i><\/a> Complete the MAFSA <\/i><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

<\/span>Apply to GCC<\/div>
\n

You must also enroll in an approved program of study\u2014college is only free if you are completing a degree or certificate.<\/p>\nExplore Programs <\/i><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Apply Online <\/i><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

<\/span>Reside in Massachusetts<\/div>
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You must have physically resided in Massachusetts for at least one year as of the start of your first enrolled term.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

<\/span>Enroll in a minimum number of credits<\/div>
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To receive the benefit, you must be enrolled in either<\/p>\n