Tuition-Free Community College (TFCC) Plan
With the advent of the state’s MassEducate and expanded MassGrant programs, Boston’s Tuition-Free Community College (TFCC) will be phased out.
Since 2016, TFCC has proven the feasibility and impact of universal free community college. During our tenure, including last year’s landmark expansion to include all Boston residents regardless of age, income, and immigration status, we have funded nearly 2,000 students. TFCC has funded associates and short-term certificate programs at six partner schools: Bunker Hill Community College, Roxbury Community College, Franklin Cummings Tech, MassBay, Massasoit, and Urban College.
Though TFCC is phasing out, we remain dedicated to advancing postsecondary initiatives throughout the state. We will continue to fund current TFCC students through the end of our three-year commitment. Boston is committed to piloting new programs, focusing on postsecondary readiness, workforce development, and job placement.
If you are a current TFCC student who has questions about your funding, please contact your college since each partner handles their own financial aid.
To learn more about the State’s financial aid plans, please visit their website.
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Have questions? Contact:
Before You Apply
Eligibility
The 2024-2025 TFCC eligibility requirements are as follows. Students must:
- Be a 18-24 year old Boston resident without an advanced degree.
- Enroll in an associate degree or short-term certificate program at a partner college.
- Complete the FAFSA, MAFSA, or alternative form offered by the partner colleges.*
- Submit any requested documentation from the partner college.
*Please Note: Students who are undocumented, DACA students, or have TPS, do not need to complete the FAFSA.
*Please Note: Non-US citizens should only fill out the FAFSA if they have attended a high school in Massachusetts for at least three years and earned a high school diploma or the equivalent. While still eligible for TFCC, students who cannot fill out the FAFSA/MAFSA should reach out to the school about an alternative form.
Not sure if you're a Boston resident?
To be a resident, you must live in one of the zip codes listed below:
| Zip codes | Neighborhood |
|---|---|
| 02108, 02109, 02110 | Beacon Hill/Downtown |
| 02111 | Chinatown and Surrounding Areas |
| 02113, 02114 | North End, Beacon Hill/West End |
| 02115, 02215, 02116 | Fenway, Fenway/Kenmore, Back Bay |
| 02118, 02119, 02121 | South End, Roxbury |
| 02120 | Mission Hill |
| 02122, 02124, 02125 | Dorchester |
| 02126 | Mattapan |
| 02127, 02210 | South Boston, Waterfront |
| 02128 | East Boston |
| 02129 | Charlestown |
| 02130 | Jamaica Plain |
| 02131 | Roslindale |
| 02132 | West Roxbury |
| 02134, 02135, 02163 | Allston, Brighton |
| 02136 | Hyde Park |
| 02199, 02203 | Prudential Center, Government Center |
| 02467 | Boston/Other (including portions of Boston and Chestnut Hill) |
Please Note: Due to FAFSA/MAFSA delays, TFCC communications and funding for the 2024-2025 school year are also delayed. Schools will not know how many new students will receive TFCC funding until they know more information about the FAFSA/MAFSA. Students are advised to apply and fill out their financial aid forms since any available funding will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Given the delays, students may not receive their financial aid packages until later in the Spring, depending on when they complete their forms. If students have specific questions, they should contact the schools.
Participating Colleges
TFCC students can enroll in associate degree or certificate programs at any of the following institutions:
- Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology*
- Bunker Hill Community College
- Massasoit Community College
- MassBay Community College
- Roxbury Community College
- Urban College of Boston
*There are limited TFCC slots available at the Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology.
Costs Covered
- 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 to Apply
- Apply to a partner college.
- Fill out your FAFSA/MAFSA or the equivalent.
- Submit any requested documentation by the priority deadline of July 1.
Funding is available on a first-come first-serve basis. Each partner college will make a determination on applying for financial aid packages and students are accepted on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of July 1. Students are encourage to apply early.
Multilingual Fact Sheets
Fact SheetsPursue a Free Four-Year Degree
Interested in continuing on to a four-year college? We have options!
MassTransfer Program
The Tuition Free Community College Plan has launched a pilot program in partnership with the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). The 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.
Email questions to Shannon Gallagher, MassArt Transfer Admissions Counselor, at sagallagher@massart.edu.
Boston Bridge
Boston Bridge is a partnership between the Tuition-Free Community College Plan and the State’s Commonwealth Commitment program that allows eligible students to earn a bachelor’s degree free of tuition and mandatory fees.
UPDATE: The Boston Bridge plan is currently under review. If you are interested in transferring to a four-year institution, please visit the MassTransfer website for more information.
Who's Involved:
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Have questions? Contact:
