Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

Massachusetts Department of Higher Education oversees a broad statewide student financial aid portfolio through its Office of Student Financial Assistance, connecting Massachusetts residents with grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, loans, internships, and repayment programs tied to higher education access and persistence. Its financial aid structure spans major initiatives such as MASSGrant, MASSGrant Plus, the Massachusetts Cash Grant, the Massachusetts No Interest Loan, the Gilbert Matching Student Grant, and the Massachusetts Part-Time Grant, alongside targeted programs including MassReconnect, Free Community College, GEAR UP, educator-focused aid, and loan repayment for health professionals.

The department’s work reaches multiple student populations across the Commonwealth, including high school students, current scholars, alumni, schools, and adults returning to college. The Part-Time Grant Program illustrates that role clearly. The program was established in response to demographic and economic changes that increased the number of part-time students in Massachusetts, especially adults returning to the classroom on a less than full-time basis as college costs rose. It serves as a bridge between higher education opportunities and segments of the Massachusetts population that need part-time enrollment options.