Mayor Wu knows that 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 community college for eligible low-income students through its Tuition-Free Community College Plan.

Am I eligible for the plan?

To be eligible, you must:

• Graduate from a high school in Boston (BPS, private, or charter school) within the past 12 months
• Have a grade-point average of at least 2.0
• Be able to complete community college in 3 years
• Be eligible for a Pell Grant, as determined by the FAFSA
• Require no more than three developmental courses by the start of the semester
• Be accepted to Roxbury Community College, Bunker Hill Community College, or MassBay Community College
• Be a Boston resident
• Have low to moderate household income, per HUD guidelines

 

Are Non-US Citizens eligible?

Even if they cannot apply for the Pell Grant, certain categories of non-US citizens – including DACA and TPS – remain eligible to receive a small amount of financial support through the plan. Email TuitionFreeCollege@boston.gov to learn more.

Which colleges are covered?

Bunker Hill Community College, MassBay Community College, and Roxbury Community College

What costs does the plan pay for?

After the Pell Grant is applied, the Tuition-Free Community College Plan covers the remaining costs of tuition and mandatory fees. Students whose tuition and fees are already fully covered by the Pell Grant may be able to receive up to $1,000 over three years for college-related expenses instead.* Check the application website below for updates.

Looking to get a bachelor's degree? The City of Boston has teamed up with the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education to create the Boston Bridge Program, which allows qualified students to get an associate and bachelor's degree free of tuition and fees. Learn more about Boston Bridge.

How do I apply?

Visit https://owd.boston.gov/tfcc/ to apply.

How do I learn more?

The Tuition-Free Community College Plan web portal, https://owd.boston.gov/tfcc/, includes details on eligibility and coverage as well as tips for preparing for college. (The portal can be found under the “Students & Families” menu on the BPS website.) For questions, email TuitionFreeCollege@boston.gov or call the city hotline, BOS:311, at 3-1-1.

 

*Based on available annual funding.