Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
The Massachusetts colleges and universities offering free tuition for undergraduates
See which Massachusetts colleges offer free undergraduate tuition based on household income.
As college tuitions rise closer to $100,000 a year, both private and public Massachusetts colleges have made free tuition available to students with household incomes under amounts that range from $75,000 to $200,000. Due to the increase in financial aid, out-of-pocket costs have recently gone down nationwide, according to research from College Board.
Many Mass. colleges offering free tuition to applicants under a certain household income have been announced over the past couple years, and have become available for students this fall 2025. Massachusetts’ community colleges have been free for in-state students (if students have not earned a bachelor’s degree and apply through FAFSA) since fall 2024.
Advertisement:
Ahead, see a list of colleges and universities offering free undergraduate tuition by household income. Be sure to check the schools website for additional qualifying requirements.
Colleges and universities offering free undergraduate tuition, by household income:
Household income of up to $200,000:
- Harvard University: In addition to free tuition, students may receive financial aid to help cover other expenses — including fees, food, and housing — based on their individual financial need. Began fall 2025
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology: In addition to free tuition, students with household incomes below $100,000 may also receive financial support for supplies housing, dining, an allowance for books, and other personal expenses. Began fall 2025
Household income of up to $150,000:
- Mt. Holyoke College: For U.S. families, those with greater need can receive additional aid for housing and food expenses. Began 2025
- Smith College: Free tuition for the women’s college is applicable for domestic and international students. Beginning fall 2026
- Tufts University: In addition to free tuition for U.S. students, those with a household income of less than $60,000 a year will have no loans. Beginning fall 2026
Household income of $125,000 or less:
- Bridgewater State University: Tuition and mandatory fees are covered for in-state students. Began fall 2025
Household income of $100,000 or less:
- Lasell University: First-time, full-time undergraduate students may qualify for for free tuition. Check the list of requirements for qualifying. Beginning fall 2026
- The College of Holy Cross: The financial aid program expanded from free tuition for students from families making $75,000 or less to cover households incomes of $100,000 or less. Began fall 2025.
Household income $75,000 or less:
- Bay Path University: First-time, first-year students with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible to receive free tuition. A free tuition program has been offered since 2020.
- Brandeis University: In addition to free tuition for students whose household income is less than $75,000 per year, students whose household earns less than $200,000 per year will receive grants and scholarships that covers 50% of their tuition. Began fall 2025
Household income $75,000 or less (Massachusetts residents only):
- MassArt: Free tuition and standard fees are covered. Began fall 2025.
- Salem State University: Tuition and mandatory fees are covered for first-time or transfer students who “demonstrate a financial need” in addition to a household income of $75,000 or less. Began fall 2025.
- University of Massachusetts: Tuition and mandatory fees are covered for students across all of its undergraduate campuses, which includes Boston, Amherst, Lowell, and Dartmouth. Began fall 2025
- Worcester State University: Tuition and fees are covered for Pell grant eligible students planning to commute. Began fall 2025.
For students that meet other specific requirements:
- Anna Maria College: Tuition and fees are covered for New England students who are Pell grant eligible. Began fall 2025
- Regis College: Tuition is covered for graduates of a Catholic high-school in the United States or U.S. territories. Began fall 2025
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com