Apply to the Tuition Free Community College (TFCC) Plan

No, all Boston residents are eligible regardless of immigration status.

TFCC covers tuition and mandatory fees remaining after any applicable grants have been applied for 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.

Short-term certificate programs can provide credentials that lead to jobs in industries like healthcare, renewable energy, and information technology in as little as six months. The six participating TFCC colleges offer a range of certificate programs. To learn more and apply, contact the relevant partner college.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a free, online process that will let you know if you qualify for a specific income-based financial aid award called a Pell Grant, which covers college costs.

The Pell Grant is a grant from the U.S. Department of Education that helps pay for college for students in financial need. Unlike a loan, the Pell Grant does not need to be repaid.

The FAFSA takes less than an hour to complete.

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If you need help completing the FAFSA,  FAFSA Day Massachusetts is a non-profit, volunteer driven program providing free assistance to students and families seeking to complete the FAFSA.

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For degree programs: 

Students that are eligible for federal student aid, must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. If you are eligible to receive a federal Pell Grant as determined from submission of the FAFSA, that will be applied toward your tuition and then the TFCC program will pay the remaining balance. If you are not eligible for federal student aid because of your citizenship status, you are not required to fill out a FAFSA and the TFCC program will pay the entire balance of your tuition and fees.

For short-term certificate programs: 

Some short-term certificate programs are not eligible for a Pell Grant. Each participating College can advise you as to whether or not the short-term certificate program you are seeking is eligible and whether you need to complete a FAFSA (if your citizenship status allows).  

Yes. If you are a Boston resident currently enrolled at one of the TFCC partner colleges, you are eligible to receive funding beginning Fall 2023.

The program covers 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 enrolled in TFCC, you do not need to re-apply in following years. Complete your FAFSA each year (if eligible).

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. 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

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. 

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MassTransfer Program

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.

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Have questions? Email Shannon Gallagher, the MassArt Transfer Admissions Counselor, at sagallagher@massart.edu.

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.

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.

No. Residents who are degree holders, including those who earned a masters, bachelors, or associates in another country, are not eligible for the TFCC program.

At this time, TFCC does not fund international students.