What is the Tuition-Free Community College (TFCC) Plan?
The Tuition-Free Community College (TFCC) Plan pays for up to three years of tuition and fees
for 18-24-year-old Boston residents -- regardless of their Pell eligibility or immigration status --
who are pursuing an associate degree or short-term certificate program at a partner college.
Which colleges are eligible?
There are six partner colleges:
■ Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology
■ Bunker Hill Community College
■ Massasoit Community College
■ MassBay Community College
■ Roxbury Community College
■ Urban College of Boston
What costs are covered?
● All tuition and mandatory fees remaining after any other applicable financial aid has
been applied.
● $250 each semester for up to three years of college-related expenses (such as books or
transportation).
How do I apply?
To apply, students should:
1. Apply to the community college of their choice.
2. Fill out the FAFSA, MAFSA, or the equivalent.
3. Submit any requested documentation before the July 1 priority deadline.
When should I apply?
Funds are available first-come first-serve, so we recommend applying as soon as possible to
access TFCC funding.
What is the deadline?
Funds are available first-come first-basis. Though there is a July 1 priority deadline, schools may
run out of funds sooner than this. We recommend applying earlier rather than later and
completing both the college application and FAFSA.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No, all Boston residents are eligible regardless of immigration status.
What programs are covered?
Any associates degree program or short-term certificate program available at a TFCC partner
college. To learn more about the available programs and how to apply, visit the relevant
college's admissions website.
Updated February 2024
Single courses or courses that are not part of a degree or certificate program, such as ESOL
classes or continuing education classes are not eligible for TFCC funds.
What is a short-term certificate program?
Short-term certificate programs can provide credentials that lead to jobs in industries like
healthcare, renewable energy, and information technology in as little as six months. The six
participating TFCC colleges offer a range of certificate programs. To learn more and apply,
contact the relevant partner college.
What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a free, online process that will let you
know if you qualify for a specific income-based financial aid award called a Pell Grant, which
covers college costs.
The Pell Grant is a grant from the U.S. Department of Education that helps pay for college for
students in financial need. Unlike a loan, the Pell Grant does not need to be repaid.
The FAFSA takes less than an hour to complete.
Apply at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
If you need help completing the FAFSA, FAFSA Day Massachusetts is a non-profit, volunteer
driven program providing free assistance to students and families seeking to complete the
FAFSA.
Learn more at masfaa.org/fafsaday/
Do I have to complete the FAFSA?
Yes, all students interested in TFCC funding need to fill out the FAFSA or MAFSA.
How do I know if I received TFCC?
Each school is charged with awarding its own financial aid after the FAFSA or MAFSA have been
completed. Please reach out to the school if you have questions about whether or not you have
received TFCC funding.
What if I am 25 or older?
TFCC is for 18-24-year-old Boston residents. If you are 25 and up, please talk to your school
about accessing funding through the the State’s financial aid programs:
1. MassReconnect
2. MassExpansion Grant
3. Tuition Equity Bill
Updated February 2024
What if I am put on academic probation?
If you are put on academic probation, please talk to the school about your options. Many
institutions have a student appeal process for students who wish to remain or return to school.
Does it matter when I take classes during my three years in TFCC?
Once you start receiving TFCC funds, you should aim to take classes every fall and spring
semester. If you take a semester off, you can still remain enrolled in TFCC. But remember: You
still only get up to 3 years of funding. If you take a semester off, you cannot get that semester of
missed funding back.
Once I am enrolled, do I have to fill out the FAFSA/MAFSA every year?
Yes, we ask that all TFCC students fill out the FAFSA/MAFSA each year.
I am already a student at a TFCC school, can I still get free tuition?
No, if you are already enrolled at a TFCC school you are not eligible for this funding.
How many years will TFCC cover?
The program covers free tuition and fees for up to three years, including summer semesters.
Is it really free?
Yes! If you are a Boston resident between the ages of 18-24, tuition and fees are covered at the
six participating colleges for both associate degree and eligible short-term certificate programs.
I have an outstanding balance at my community college and cannot re-enroll. Can you help?
TFCC does not have any debt relief funding for the 2024-2025 school year. Students should talk
to the college if they have an outstanding balance and want to re-enroll in school.
I dropped out of a community college program. Can I re-enroll in a TFCC school to finish my
degree with these funds?
Yes! You are eligible for free tuition if you re-enroll in a participating community college as long
as you are an 18-24-year-old Boston resident.
I started my degree program at a non-TFCC school. Can I enroll at a TFCC school to finish my
degree with these funds?
Yes! Your tuition at any of the six participating schools will be free if you’re a Boston resident
between the ages 18-24. Contact the school of your choice to arrange any transfer of credits.
I’ve already completed a degree. Can I enroll at a TFCC school in order to pursue a second
degree?
Updated February 2024
If you have already earned an associates degree or bachelor's degree, you are not eligible for
TFCC. If you were previously working towards one of these degrees but were for whatever
reason unable to complete your program, you are eligible for TFCC.
I’ve earned a degree in another country. Am I eligible for TFCC?
At this time, students who already have a degree, even from another country, are not eligible
for TFCC.
I haven’t graduated from high school yet, but I’m interested in taking college-level courses.
Can I use TFCC funding to do this?
This will vary depending on the school; some schools offer programs that can be completed
prior to graduation and are eligible for TFCC funding. You will need to contact the admissions
office at your chosen school in order to see what programs are eligible.
I don’t live in Boston. Can I apply using someone else’s address?
TFCC is only for Boston residents.
Does TFCC cover pre-requisite courses?
This varies between participating institutions; you will need to speak to the admissions office at
your school to determine whether your pre-requisite courses will be covered under TFCC.
I am on academic suspension. Am I eligible for TFCC funding?
If you are on academic suspension, please reach out to your school about re-enrolling.
Can I take elective courses unrelated to the major that I am pursuing?
If you have questions about academic courses and registration, please reach out directly to your
school.
What if the school runs out of TFCC funding?
Since the school awards financial aid packages, we recommend staying in touch with the school
about your funding options.
Does TFCC cover bachelor’s degree programs?
No. TFCC only funds associate degrees and eligible short-term certificate programs. However, if
you think you might want to continue your education beyond your associate degree, check out
Boston Bridge or the MassArt Transfer program.
Updated February 2024
Boston Bridge
Boston Bridge is a partnership between TFCC and the State’s Commonwealth Commitment
program that allows eligible students to earn a bachelor’s degree free of tuition and mandatory
fees. Learn more here.
MassArt Transfer Program
The MassArt Transfer program will cover tuition, fees, and mandatory supplies for PELL-eligible
students transferring from a Massachusetts community college to a bachelor’s degree program
at MassArt. To learn more visit massart.edu/masstransfer or contact Shannon Gallagher, the
Updated February 2024
