The Tuition Free Community College (TFCC) Plan pays for up to three years of tuition and fees for Boston residents - regardless of their age, income, or immigration status - who are pursuing an associate degree or short term certificate program at a partner college.
Yes! If you are a Boston resident, tuition and fees at the six participating colleges are free for both associate degree and short-term certificate programs.
No, all Boston residents are eligible regardless of immigration status.
All Boston residents regardless of age, income, or immigration status are eligible for TFCC funds.
There are six partner colleges:
- All 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.
Students simply need to apply to their desired program and the partner colleges will apply the funds as a part of their financial aid process.
Please note: there are different admissions processes for short-term certificate programs and degree-seeking programs.
Any associates degree program or short-term certificate program available at a TFCC partner college. To learn more about the available programs and how to apply, visit the relevant college's admissions website.
Single courses or courses that are not part of a degree or certificate program, such as ESOL classes or continuing education classes are not eligible for TFCC funds.
This program will provide free tuition and fees for up to three years, including summer semesters.
Once you start receiving TFCC funds, you should aim to take classes every Fall and Spring semester. If you take a semester off, you can still remain enrolled in TFCC. But remember: You still only get up to 3 years of funding. If you take a semester off, you cannot get that semester of missed funding back.
While it is not a requirement for TFCC, you should also try to take at least 10 college credits each semester. This will increase your chances of earning your associate degree within three years. Your academic advisor can help you stay on track.
Once you are enrolled in TFCC, you do not need to re-apply in following years. Simply complete your FAFSA on an annual basis to continue to receive the Pell grant and maintain eligibility.
Also, to remain eligible, you will need to make "satisfactory academic progress" according to your college. Each college’s definition of satisfactory progress is slightly different, but typical factors include GPA, class completion, and rate of progress toward your degree.
No. TFCC only pays for students pursuing coursework in associate degree and short term certificate programs. However, if you think you might want to continue your education beyond your associate degree, check out Boston Bridge or the MassTransfer Partnership program.
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 here.
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.
Yes! The program will pay off debt of up to $2,500 for students with an outstanding balance at a partner college if it prevents them from re-enrolling at that college. Students must re-enroll in an associate degree or certificate program at that college.
Yes! You are eligible for free tuition if you re-enroll in a participating community college.
Yes! Your tuition at any of the six participating schools will be free if you’re a Boston resident. Contact the school of your choice to arrange any transfer of credits.