TFCC funds are first come, first serve.  Funds for the Fall 2023 semester have been awarded. There are no more funds available for the Fall 2023 semester.

What is the Tuition-Free Community College (TFCC) Plan?

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 (excluding F1 visas) -- who are pursuing an associate degree or certificate program at a partner college.

What are the eligibility criteria for TFCC?

To be eligible for TFCC, you must:

• Be accepted into an Associates or Certificate program
• Complete the FAFSA or supplemental form
• Be a Boston resident
• Be accepted into a degree granting program and have a completed FAFSA and financial aid application
• Meet the July 1 deadline unless funds are no longer available. TFCC funds are first come, first serve.  

You will not be eligible if:

• You have an associated degree or a bachelor’s degree
• You are an International student (F1 visa holder)
• You are enrolled in non-credit courses

What costs are covered?

• 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 at that school.

How do I apply?

TFCC funds are first come, first serve.  Funds for the Fall 2023 semester have been awarded. There are no more funds available for the Fall 2023 semester.

1. Complete an Admission application and be accepted into an Associate’s degree or Certificate program (the Entrepreneur certificate does not qualify).

https://www.bhcc.edu/admissions/applynow/

2. Complete a FAFSA

studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Once your financial aid file is complete, you will be awarded TFCC as part of your financial aid award.  The financial aid office will notify you when your award is ready.  Log onto https://selfservice.bhcc.edu to view your financial aid award letter

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply?

No, all Boston residents are eligible regardless of immigration status (excluding International students).  If you are a DACA, TPS or undocumented student and would like to be considered for TFCC, please complete this form: https://bhcccentral.etrieve.cloud/#/form/208

Once you have been accepted into an Associate or Certificate degree program, your application for TFCC will be reviewed and you will be notified when your award is ready to view in  https://selfservice.bhcc.edu

How many years will TFCC cover?

The program can cover tuition and fees for up to three years.

Does it matter when I take classes during my three years in TFCC?

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.

I have an outstanding balance at my community college and cannot re-enroll. Can you help?

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. Please complete this form: https://bhcccentral.etrieve.cloud/#/form/209

Past due balance funds will be disbursed after the add/drop period of the semester you enroll in has past.