College is too important to be limited to those who can afford it. That’s why the City of Boston has committed to pay for up to three years of college for all Boston residents pursuing an associate degree or certificate program through the Tuition-Free Community College (TFCC) Plan.
Beginning Fall 2023, the City of Boston is expanding eligibility for the Tuition Free Community College (TFCC) Plan to include all Boston residents regardless of age, income, or immigration status.
Eligibility
To enroll in TFCC, you must:
- Be a Boston resident.
- Enroll in an associate degree program or short-term certificate program at a partner college.
- Complete the FAFSA*
*Students who are undocumented, DACA students, or have TPS, do not need to complete the FAFSA to receive financial support through TFCC.
Participating Colleges
TFCC students may enroll in associate degree or short term 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 a limited number of TFCC slots available at Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology.
Costs Covered
The following costs are covered for most TFCC students:
- 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.
- Debt of up to $2,500 for students with an outstanding balance at a partner college that is preventing a student from re-enrolling at that college.
Apply to TFCC
Applying to the Tuition-Free Community College Plan is simple. Follow these steps.
Still Have Questions?
See our Frequently Asked Questions page. You can also email TuitionFree@boston.gov or call the City of Boston help line at 3-1-1.
Pursue a Free Four-Year Degree
Interested in a Bachelor’s degree? We have options!
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.
To learn more visit massart.edu/masstransfer or contact Shannon Gallagher, MassArt’s Transfer Admissions Counselor, at sagallagher@massart.edu.
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 about the Boston Bridge.
Learn about other Boston-based college funding opportunities.