If you plan on attending college in the “Bay State,” you might benefit from checking out some Massachusetts scholarships to help pay your way. With seaside views, historical landmarks, and the charming city of Boston, you couldn’t find a better place to spend your college years than Massachusetts! Keep on reading to find the perfect Massachusetts scholarships that match your student profile!
How to win Massachusetts scholarships
Ranging from historical cities such as Boston to beautiful hiking trails filled with East Coast wildlife, Massachusetts is home to everything you could ever want throughout your studies!
In order to win Massachusetts scholarships and attend college there, you should emphasize your personal connection with Massachusetts while simultaneously describing your personal passions. For example, if walking around Boston sparked an interest in becoming a businessperson, you should detail this experience.
Whatever your personal interests, connect it back to your life as a Massachusettsan (or hopeful future Massachusettsan!) This will help you stand out in the scholarship application pool as well as show how meaningful Massachusetts is in your higher education journey.
Writing resources for writing Massachusetts scholarship essays
In order to win Massachusetts scholarships, you may have to write an essay about yourself. Be sure to check out our Scholarships360 guides on how to start a scholarship essay (with examples), how to write a 500 word essay, and how to end a scholarship essay. Additionally, be sure to read over the ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships to ensure you are well prepared to win Massachusetts scholarships.
Massachusetts student debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, in total, Massachusetts residents owe $30.8 billion in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe an average of $34,146 each (those numbers do not include private loans). Around 63.1% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Make sure that you apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for!
Keep on reading to learn more about merit scholarships from colleges in Massachusetts as well as top scholarships in Massachusetts!
Merit scholarships at Massachusetts colleges and universities
University of Massachusetts- Amherst
- Eligibility: Automatic awards given to freshman based on academic achievement and a calculated UMass-Amherst GPA
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Boston University
- Eligibility: Incoming first year students who most likely rank in the top 5% of their high school class and have shown incredible extracurricular achievements in their schools and communities
- Amount: Varies up to full tuition and fees
- Deadline: December 1
University of Massachusetts- Lowell
- Eligibility: Freshmen who are accepted into UMass-Lowell and have demonstrated high academic achievement
- Amount: Varies up to full tuition and fees
- Deadline: Admission to University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Northeastern University
- Eligibility: Incoming first year students who are creative thinkers, intrepid entrepreneurs and motivated researchers
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to Northeastern University
UMass Boston
- Eligibility: Freshmen who are proven to have high academic achievement in high school
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to UMass Boston
Worcester State University
- Eligibility: Incoming first year students who meet minimum academic standards as well as additional factors beyond GPA and ACT/SAT scores
- Amount: Up to full tuition
- Deadline: Admission to Worcester State University
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition allows residents of a state to receive cheaper tuition for a college or university in their state. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.
Here are a few well-known Massachusetts universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- In-state tuition: $17,357
- Out-of-state tuition: $39,293
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- In-state tuition: $16,570
- Out-of-state tuition: $35,396
How do you get in-state tuition?
Being a Massachusetts resident can significantly reduce the tuition costs of Massachusetts colleges and universities. In order to officially become a Massachusetts resident, you will need to live in Massachusetts for 12 consecutive months prior to your enrollment. Additionally, you will need to show proof of your intent to stay in Massachusetts. This can include obtaining a Massachusetts driver’s license, a record of rent and utility bills, and registering to vote. However, it is important to note that you do not qualify for resident status if your only reason for living in Massachusetts is to attend school in Massachusetts. Therefore, double check with your intended Massachusetts institution for their specific requirements for in-state residency status.
Does Massachusetts offer tuition reciprocity?
Yes, Massachusetts is a part of a tuition reciprocity program through the New England Board of Higher Education. Through this program, students from Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont can attend out-of-state colleges and universities at a discounted rate.
Massachusetts scholarship spotlight
LSP Association Scholarship
- Eligibility: Student at a Massachusetts college or university who are members of the LSP Association or are immediate family members of a member of a LSP Association
- Amount: $1,000 up to $5,000
- Deadline: Early May
Fisher Cats Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility: High school senior athlete in New Hampshire or Massachusetts planning to enroll in a higher education institution
- Amount: $1,500
- Deadline: End of April
SENEDIA Scholarship
- Eligibility: Undergraduate student residing in Southeastern New England in their second year of study in a STEM field at an accredited US institution
- Amount: $1,500
- Deadline: End of April
Massachusetts Public Service Grant
- Eligibility: Student at a Massachusetts institution whose parent or spouse was killed or went missing in the line of public service duty in Massachusetts
- Amount: Cost of tuition
- Deadline: May 1
FMC Skaters Scholarship
- Eligibility: Student living in New England who skates at an FMC arena and demonstrate excellence on and off the ice
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: May 1
Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: High school student with financial need who displays a commitment to serving others, a strong work ethic and leadership qualities
- Amount: $3,000 up to $17,000
- Deadline: May1
Full Circle Scholarship
- Eligibility: Native American U.S. citizen enrolled as a full-time student with a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: May 31
Massachusetts Youth Soccer Student Scholarship
- Eligibility: High school senior who participated in Massachusetts Youth Soccer for at least the past two years and plans to a higher education institution
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: June 1
KASF Northeastern Region Scholarship
- Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate of Korean heritage with a minimum 3.0 GPA at a school in the Northwestern region
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: June 30
The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund
- Eligibility: Undergraduate or high school senior who’s performed a minimum of two years of service at any golf course in Massachusetts
- Amount: $1,500 up to $15,000
- Deadline: June 30
Paul Tsongas Scholarship
- Eligibility: Student with a minimum 1200 SAT and 3.75 GPA at an eligible institution in Massachusetts who demonstrates financial need
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Varies
Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program
- Eligibility: Full-time student living in Massachusetts who demonstrates financial need
- Amount: $200 up to $2,500
- Deadline: Varies
Massachusetts Part-Time Grant Program
- Eligibility: Student enrolled in 6-12 credits per academic term at an institution in Massachusetts
- Amount: $200 up to a maximum
- Deadline: Varies
Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: Early childhood educator living in Massachusetts who’s pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education or a related program
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Mid-August
Additional Massachusetts resources
FAFSA Guide
The FAFSA opens nationwide on October 1st of every year. For priority consideration as a Massachusetts student, make sure you submit your application by midnight CT, May 1. Our handy guide features useful tips for completing the FAFSA, so be sure to read it!
Mass.gov
A helpful website for Massachusetts students looking for Massachusetts scholarships. Be sure to comb through this website as there is a lot of helpful information.
Frequently asked questions about Massachusetts scholarships
Can you get a full-ride scholarship to MIT?
What type of scholarships does Massachusetts offer?
Do I need to be a Massachusetts resident to receive Massachusetts scholarships?
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