Free College at 4Cs

No matter your age or income, if you live in Massachusetts and don’t have a Bachelor’s degree, you can attend 4Cs for free thanks to the MassReconnect and MassEducate programs.

This applies whether you are starting for the first time, returning after some time away, or have prior college credits.

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How Free College Works

Here are the basic steps you follow to enroll for free:

1. Apply to 4Cs

Start by completing your admissions application online. There is no application fee!

2. Complete Financial Aid Forms

You need to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). If you are not eligible for FAFSA because of your immigration status, you can complete the MASFA (Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid) instead.

3. Register for Classes

To qualify for free college benefits you must enroll and stay enrolled in at least six credits each semester. That is usually two classes.

After these steps are done, we work with you to plan your schedule and answer questions about how the free college program works.

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Who Qualifies

You may qualify for free college if you meet all of these:

• You live in Massachusetts and have lived here for at least one year before your first term
• You have a high school diploma or equivalent
• You have not earned a bachelor’s degree
• You enroll and stay enrolled in at least six credits each semester in an approved associate degree or certificate program
• You complete the FAFSA or MASFA every year to maintain your eligibility

Free college is also available for summer classes if you were enrolled in the previous academic year.

What it Covers

Through MassReconnect and MassEducate, your tuition and fees can be fully paid for eligible programs. These state initiatives cover the cost that remains after other financial aid (like FAFSA and Pell Grants) is applied.

Students may also qualify for an allowance to help with books and supplies based on income.

Steps to Keep Free College Benefits

Once you qualify, you keep the benefits by:

• Staying enrolled in at least six credits each semester
• Completing the FAFSA or MASFA every year
• Maintaining satisfactory academic progress

If you drop below six credits or do not complete the annual financial aid form, you may lose eligibility and be billed for costs.

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Support and Student Resources

4Cs offers services to help you succeed including:

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What You Can Do Today

Choose your next step and get started

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Frequent Questions

What are MassReconnect and MassEducate?

These are state programs that make community college tuition and fees free for Massachusetts residents without a bachelor’s degree. Depending on the program, students may also qualify for a books and supplies allowance.

Do I pay for books?

You may be eligible for a book and supplies allowance if you complete your financial aid application (FAFSA).

Are there extra costs for some majors?

Yes. Programs that require special tools or equipment like aviation or some health fields have costs that are not covered by the free college programs.