Massachusetts Categorical Tuition Waiver

The Categorical Tuition Waiver lets Massachusetts public colleges waive tuition for students in specific groups, including Native Americans certified by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and clients of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission or the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, as well as veterans, active service members stationed in Massachusetts and adults over 60. For a high school senior the usual routes are tribal certification or being an MRC or MCB client. Students must enroll in at least three undergraduate credits in a state-supported program, file the FAFSA or MASFA, and present documentation to the college. Waivers cover tuition only and follow each college's policy; fees are generally not included.

Other deadlines near this one

• 802 Opportunity Grant
  Due June 30, 2027 · Full tuition and the $100 administrative fee at CCV (last-dollar)
• Alaska Education Grant
  Due June 30, 2027 · $500-$4,000/yr based on need and enrollment level
• Alaska Performance Scholarship
  Due June 30, 2027 · $3,500-$7,000/yr depending on tier

How hard is the Massachusetts Categorical Tuition Waiver to win?

This is not a competition. Aid is allocated by a published formula, so meeting the criteria and filing on time is what determines whether the money arrives.

What drives the odds here

Odds on a scholarship are mostly a question of how many students can enter. Each rule below changes the size of that field.

• Fewer rivalsOpen only to Massachusetts residents
• Fewer rivalsRequires a specific life circumstance
• More rivalsA large award draws far more applicants

How Solyo estimates this: State programs that allocate by published formula are modelled on qualification and filing, not on competition, because there is no selection committee choosing between applicants. These are estimates derived from each award's published structure, not reported acceptance rates, which almost no scholarship provider discloses. Treat them as a way to rank where the hours go, not as a guarantee.

Who can apply for the Massachusetts Categorical Tuition Waiver?

These are the eligibility rules Solyo verified against the official award page, translated into plain English. Your student must meet each one.

• ✓Must be a resident of Massachusetts
• ✓Must attend a college in Massachusetts (the award does not travel out of state)
• ✓Open to high school seniors and current college students
• ✓For students with a documented disability

What the application takes

No essay, recommendation letters, or transcript are required. This is one of the lighter applications in the directory.

Deadline and application cycle

The next projected deadline is June 30, 2027 (estimated). The last verified deadline has passed; the next cycle is projected from this award's usual June 30 deadline. Confirm the exact date on the official site. Ask the vocational rehabilitation counselor or tribal office for documentation before enrollment.

Applications close

June 30, 2027 (estimated)

Common questions about the Massachusetts Categorical Tuition Waiver

More state grants & programs

• Massachusetts DCF Adopted Child Tuition Waiver and Fee Assistance
  100% of resident tuition plus fee assistance · due June 30, 2027
• Massachusetts DCF Foster Child Tuition Waiver and Fee Assistance
  100% of resident tuition plus fee assistance · due June 30, 2027
• Massachusetts Foster Child Grant
  Up to $6,000 per year · due June 30, 2027
• Michigan Achievement Scholarship
  Up to $5,500/yr x 5 years ($27,500 max), or tuition-free community college · due June 30, 2027
• Michigan Police Officer's and Fire Fighter's Survivor Tuition Grant
  Tuition waiver at Michigan public colleges · due June 30, 2027
• Michigan Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
  Tuition assistance through an associate degree, then into a bachelor’s degree · due June 30, 2027

Lists this award appears on

• Massachusetts Scholarships and State Grants
• No-Essay Scholarships
• Renewable Scholarships (Multi-Year Awards)
• Scholarships With June Deadlines