Quinsigamond Community College is poised to award free college tuition, fees and an allowance for books and supplies to hundreds of new and returning students for the Fall 2023 semester under the state’s new MassReconnect program that makes community college free for eligible Massachusetts residents aged 25 and older.

Governor Healy recently signed the Fiscal Year 2024 $56 billion budget, with $20 million allocated to the state’s 15 community colleges for the MassReconnect program as an effort to improve access to higher education. According to the state, there are 1.8 million Massachusetts residents with a high school diploma or equivalency but no degree and close to 700,000 Massachusetts residents who have some college credit but no degree.

“The MassReconnect program is a giant step forward in our quest for equity in higher education. By offering equitable opportunities and resources for our students, many of whom are juggling one or more jobs and caring for their families, we are bettering our entire community,” said QCC President Luis G. Pedraja, Ph.D. “Obtaining a higher education is a way for people to advance a career, change careers and make a better life for themselves and their families. MassReconnect is going to be a gamechanger for so many.”

“While QCC is prepared to include over 400 currently enrolled students in this no-cost college program pending their applications for financial aid, QCC is expecting many more eligible students to apply for the fall semester,” said Michelle Tufau, vice president for Strategic Enrollment and Student Engagement.

Individuals aged 25 and older qualify for the program if they have not previously earned an associate or bachelor’s degree and have been a legal permanent resident of Massachusetts for one year as of the start of classes. Students must complete the 23-24 Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate. To learn more, visit QCC.edu/Massreconnect, or visit one of the information sessions QCC is hosting during its Super Saturday event on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Sessions will run 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. (Spanish presentation), or 12:00 p.m.

 Who will be eligible?

Eligible students must:

Be 25 or older on the first day of classes (September 6 for Fall 2023)

Have been a permanent legal resident of the Commonwealth for at least one year at start of the enrolled term

Have not previously received an associate or bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent

Enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate

Maintain satisfactory academic progress according to the college’s satisfactory academic record policy.

Complete the 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The College will use information you have provided during the enrollment process and other available data to determine your eligibility before making an award.  If you are later determined to be ineligible for the MassReconnect Program, you may owe a balance to the College and/or be required to pay back funds received.

Worried you don’t qualify for MassReconnect? Don’t worry! There are many other federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs available to help students with the cost of their education. Complete the 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered.