BCC to Provide Free College With MassEducate, MassReconnect
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will offer free community college to all Massachusetts residents without a bachelor's degree starting this fall after Governor Maura Healey signed the Massachusetts FY25 budge.
A new program called MassEducate will offer tuition- and fee- free community college to all Massachusetts residents, regardless of age, who have yet to earn a bachelor's degree. The budget also includes a continuation of funding for MassReconnect, which provides free community college for all Massachusetts residents over the age of 25 without an associate degree.
"This is truly an exciting opportunity for the people of Berkshire County," said BCC President Ellen Kennedy. "This moment is historic for making access to higher education even easier and removes one more barrier to ensure more students can achieve their dreams."
Both MassEducate and MassReconnect, in addition to providing free tuition, include an allowance for books and supplies for certain students.
To be eligible for MassEducate or MassReconnect, prospective students must:
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Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- If a student is not eligible to complete the FAFSA and is an approved "High School Completer" under the Massachusetts tuition equity law, they can complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) and still attend for free.
- Apply to BCC and enroll in an approved program of study. Applications are open year-round, and there is never an application fee. Fall semester classes start September 3, 2024.
- Have physically resided in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of their first enrolled term.
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Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent.
- Early college high school and dual enrollment students are not eligible for MassEducate.
- Are enrolled in at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the college's requirements.
"We already saw a tremendous increase in enrollment in spring 2024 and now in fall 2024, thanks in part to MassReconnect," said Adam Klepetar, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. "We saw an increase in the number of adult learners enrolling and persisting at BCC. MassEducate will only provide greater access to all students, which is really exciting."
MassEducate and MassReconnect are last dollar financial aid grant awards that are applied to a student's account after all other state and federal financial aid and grants are applied.
All students are subject to program guidelines and must maintain eligibility throughout the course of their studies to continue to receive financial aid through MassEducate and MassReconnect.
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