Free College
Holyoke Community College is now Free!
To be eligible for Free Community College, you must:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA and are an approved “High School Completer” under the Massachusetts tuition equity law, you can complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) and still attend for free.
- Apply to Holyoke Community College and enroll in an approved program of study.
- Have physically resided in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of your first enrolled term.
- Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent (GED/HiSET)
- Be enrolled in either:
- at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Free Community College is a last dollar financial aid grant award that is applied to a student’s account after all other state and federal financial aid and grants are applied.
All students are subject to Free Community College program guidelines and must maintain eligibility throughout the course of their studies to continue to receive financial aid through the Free Community College program. All students must complete the current FAFSA or MASFA to be considered eligible.
Free Community College funding in the Summer term is not guaranteed..
Students who receive Free Community College awards who are later found to be ineligible for any reason may be billed for used funds.
