Special Programs

MassEducate and MassReconnect

Go to Roxbury Community College for Free!

Community College is Free in Massachusetts!

The MassEducate and MassReconnect programs allow all Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend Roxbury Community College for free.

No tuition. No fees. And both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for certain students.

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Who is eligible for MassEducate and MassReconnect?

To be eligible for MassEducate or MassReconnect, you must:

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA and are an approved “High School Completer” under the Massachusetts tuition equity law, you can complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA).
Apply to Roxbury Community College and enroll in an approved program of study. Applications are open all year long and there’s never an application fee. Classes start Wednesday, September 3, 2024.
Have physically resided in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of your first enrolled term.
Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent
Are enrolled in at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the college's requirements.

Learn more about how Free Community College in Massachusetts works in our Student FAQ.

MassEducate and MassReconnect are last dollar financial aid grant awards that are applied to a student’s account after all other state and federal financial aid and grants are applied.

All students are subject to program guidelines and must maintain eligibility throughout the course of their studies to continue to receive financial aid through MassEducate and MassReconnect. Full program guidelines will be forthcoming.

Students who receive MassEducate or MassReconnect awards who are later found to be ineligible, for any reason, may be billed for disbursed funds.

How do I enroll in MassEducate and MassReconnect?

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA and are an approved “High School Completer” under the Massachusetts tuition equity law, you can complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) and still attend for free.
Apply to Roxbury Community College and enroll in an approved program of study. Applications are open all year long and there’s never an application fee. Classes start Wednesday, September 3, 2024.

Have questions in the meantime?

Please contact the RCC Office of Financial Aid, at either finaid@rcc.mass.edu or 857-701-1220.

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Boston Bridge at RCC

The Boston Bridge combines the benefits of the Tuition-Free Community College Plan with the benefits of Commonwealth Commitment, a state plan that makes the continuation to four-year college more affordable. Through the Boston Bridge, you can attend one of TFCC’s participating community colleges and then transfer to one of Massachusetts’ four-year state schools to finish your bachelor’s degree at no cost.

A bachelor’s degree is a very worthwhile goal. Bachelor’s degree holders make, on average, nearly $20,000 more per year than those who earn only an associate degree! Just remember that pursuing a bachelor’s, and saving money through the Boston Bridge, will require extra work and commitment. You may be a good fit for the Boston Bridge program if you:

Want to earn your bachelor’s degree
Have a good idea of which major you want to pursue
Can attend college full-time
Plan to earn a 3.0 GPA

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What are the benefits of Boston Bridge?

Opportunity to earn BOTH associate and bachelor's degrees, free of tuition and mandatory fees
Money each semester to help with school-related expenses

After I graduate from RCC, what colleges can I transfer to?

University of Massachusetts (Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth or Lowell)
Bridgewater State University
Fitchburg State University
Framingham State University
Massachusetts College of Art & Design (MassArt)
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Salem State University
Westfield State University
Worcester State University

How do I determine if I'm eligible?

To be eligible for this program, you must:

Meet the requirements of the Tuition-Free Community College Plan
Attend one of TFCC’s public community colleges (BHCC, RCC, MassBay or Massasoit)
Have no more than 15 community college credits to start

Finish your associate degree in 2.5 years
Finish your bachelor’s degree in another 2 years
Attend school continuously, full-time
Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA
Commit to one of 16 popular majors

Majors

Ready to Apply?

Follow the steps listed in the step-by-step guide for the Tuition-Free Community College Plan; however, when you complete the Tuition-Free Community College Plan application, make sure you check the box that says "I am interested in the Boston Bridge." A representative will contact you to guide you through the application process. After you complete the Boston Bridge application, proceed to Step 4.

Have additional questions about this program?

The Commonwealth Commitment

New students at Roxbury Community College may be eligible to participate in the Commonwealth Commitment, a new program offered through the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. The program makes a college education more affordable for MA residents.

Students Commit To:

Begin at one of Massachusetts' Community Colleges
Complete associate degree within 2.5 years
Transfer to one of Massachusetts' State Universities or UMass campuses
Complete bachelor's degree within 2 more years
Maintain full time, continuous enrollment and a cumulative 3.0 GPA

Commonwealth Commitment to Students:

A freeze on tuition & fees for all four years upon entry into the Commonwealth Commitment program, until student graduates or leaves program.
A reduction in tuition & mandatory fees
A tuition & mandatory fees rebate
An additional MassTransfer tuition credit once student enrolls in bachelor's program

Please note that academic advising will be necessary to confirm eligibility. To explore the details of the MassTransfer Commonwealth Commitment, please learn more at https://mass.edu/MAComCom.

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Costs & Financial Aid

MassEducate and MassReconnect

Boston Bridge at RCC

The Commonwealth Commitment