Wellesley Hills Campus / Room 111 / 781-239-2600
Framingham Campus / Room 100 / 508-270-4010
Office of Financial Aid Mission
MassBay Community College is committed to providing access to higher education by reducing economic barriers. The role of the Financial Aid Office is to provide information about student aid programs and to assist eligible students in accessing these programs. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid to help meet the expenses of attending college.
Financial Aid Eligibility Guidelines
In order to receive financial assistance from federal and state student aid programs, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen or eligible non-citizen of the U.S.
- Have a high school diploma, General Education Development (GED) certificate, or have completed a high school education in a home school setting that is recognized as a home school under state law.
- Enroll in an eligible program as a matriculated student seeking a degree or certificate. An admissions application must be completed and received by the Admissions Office.
- Be registered with the Selective Service, if required. Males age 18 through 25 are required to register.
- Meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards.
- Certify that you are not in default on a federal loan or owe money on a federal grant.
- Certify that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes.
- Certify that you have not been convicted for the possession or sale of illegal drugs for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid. For more information regarding your eligibility status related to this issue, please call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
Financial Aid Application Process
To apply for financial aid, follow these two easy steps:
- Create an FSA ID. The Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID, made up of a username and password, is used to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID is used to authenticate your identity when accessing your financial aid information. You can create an FSA ID at https://fsaid.ed.gov (NOTE: If you are a dependent student your parent must also create an FSA ID). Save your FSA ID to use again in future years.
- Complete the 2016-2017 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid. List “Massachusetts Bay Community College” in the College Release Section; our federal school code number is 002171. Submit additional documents to the Office of Financial Aid if requested by MassBay.
The priority deadline for federal financial aid for the 2016-2017 academic year is May 1, 2016. Students who complete the application process by this date will have an award decision prior to the start of the fall semester. The priority deadline for those entering the College in January 2017 (i.e. spring semester) is November 1, 2016. If a student has not completed his or her file by the priority deadline, they may be responsible for settling their fall bill without the benefit of financial aid.
Changes in federal, state, and/or institutional policy could affect information contained in this Catalog.
The U.S. government places the primary financial responsibility of a college education on the student and the student’s family. Financial aid is considered only a supplement to a student’s personal resources.
To Receive Financial Aid
A student’s financial aid award will be adjusted to reflect any change in the number of credits for which they are currently registered.
Please note:
- Full time = 12 or more credits
- 3/4 time = 9-11 credits
- 1/2 time = 6-8 credits
- Less than 1/2 time = 5 credits or fewer
Certain financial programs require specific credit loads. Please visit the Financial Aid Office for details. You may obtain a copy of the Financial Aid Handbook, which further explains the eligibility requirements for financial aid by visiting or calling the Financial Aid Office.
Sources of Financial Aid
Federal Work-Study (FWS)
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that provides part-time jobs in nonprofit institutions on- and off-campus. FWS funds are awarded on a funds available basis. Eligibility is determined from the information provided on the FAFSA. If a student is awarded FWS, the amount shown on the financial aid award notification reflects the maximum amount he or she may earn during the academic year. FWS employees will receive a paycheck every two weeks based on the actual number of hours worked and the pay rate. FWS funds are not credited to a student’s account. Please be aware that a Federal Work-Study award does not guarantee a student a job. If you are awarded FWS, please visit the Office of Financial Aid to view a listing of available positions and to complete any necessary paperwork.
Federal Pell Grants
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant program from the federal government for undergraduate students with significant need. The maximum amount for the 2015-2016 Federal Pell Grant is $5,775 for a full-time student. Maximum Pell Grant amount for 2016-2017 is currently not available. In order to be eligible for a Pell Grant, a student must have a valid Expected Family Contribution (EFC), meet all of the general Title IV student eligibility requirements, and not have a prior bachelor’s degree.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is a need-based grant from the federal government for undergraduate students with significant financial need. FSEOG is awarded on a funds available basis, typically to students who are recipients of the Federal Pell Grant. The amount of a typical FSEOG is $200.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program
Stafford loans were created by the U.S. Department of Education, enabling students to borrow to help pay educational expenses. MassBay is responsible for determining eligibility based on the results of the FAFSA and current federal regulations. The loan(s) are taken out in the student’s name, and there is no credit check required to qualify for this program. The government sets a limit on the amount a student can borrow each year. First-year students are eligible to borrow up to a mximum of $5,500, for sophomores $6,500 (For independent students the loan limits for first-year students are $9,500 and $10,500 for sophomores). All recipients must complete federally mandated loan counseling and complete a master promissory note prior to the disbursement of funds. Exit counseling must be completed before graduation, at termination of enrollment, or if enrollment drops below six (6) credits in a semester. Students must be enrolled in at least six (6) credits in a semester to be eligible.
Subsidized Direct Stafford Loans are need-based and do not accrue interest while a student is enrolled at least half-time.
Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans are not need-based and accrue interest while a student is enrolled. Students may choose to defer the interest and pay it with the principal amount upon graduation or less than half-time enrollment, or pay the interest on a quarterly basis while still enrolled. Repayment for both Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans begins six months after a student graduates, withdraws, or is attending school less than half-time (five credits or fewer).
For additional information regarding these federal loan programs including current interest rates, fees, and repayment options, please visit the Direct Loan website at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans.
Federal Parents’ Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
The PLUS loan is a federal government loan borrowed through the College in the parent’s name. PLUS loan applications and master promissory notes are accessible online at www.studentloans.gov/. The disbursement of PLUS funds is administered by MassBay. Parents are eligible to borrow up to the cost of attendance minus all other sources of financial aid. Repayment begins within 60 days after the second disbursement is applied to the student’s account.
For additional information regarding these federal loan programs, including current interest rates, fees and repayment options, please visit the Direct Loan website at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans.
GI Education Benefits
MassBay is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs to certify students eligible to receive Veterans Administration (V.A.) benefits. Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, reservists, and dependents of deceased veterans may be eligible for V.A. education benefits as a result of their service. Students may apply for educational benefits for full, three-quarter, or part-time enrollment. The V.A. Certifying Official provides the appropriate paperwork to apply for G.I. Bill benefits and is responsible for certifying enrollment status to the V.A., which results in the payment of benefits to a student. However, the V.A. Certifying Official does not determine eligibility for benefits.
Massachusetts residents who are members in good standing with the Massachusetts National Guard are eligible for a waiver of tuition and fees for day and evening credit classes. For information about eligibility requirements and application procedures, please see the Veterans Affairs Counselor located in the Office of Student Development, or visit www.massbay.edu/veterans.
MASSGrant
This grant is awarded to full-time (12 credits or more each semester) students who are Massachusetts residents and who do not have a prior bachelor’s degree. A FAFSA must be filed by the May 1 priority deadline to be considered for this grant.
Massachusetts Part-Time Grant
This grant is awarded to Massachusetts residents who are enrolled in six to 11 credits each semester and do not have a prior bachelor’s degree. The Massachusetts Part-Time Grant is awarded on a funds available basis.
Massachusetts Need-Based Tuition Waivers
This is funding provided to MassBay from the State of Massachusetts. This state-funded tuition waiver program (does not need to be repaid) is available to undergraduate students who are Massachusetts residents. Students must be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for at least one year prior to the opening of the academic year and be a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen eligible under Federal Title IV regulations. Students must not have a prior bachelor’s degree. Eligibility is based on demonstrated financial need and actual tuition charged for state supported undergraduate degree or certificate program offered by the institution. These funds are limited and students with high financial need are given first priority. For additional information please visit the MA Office of Student Financial Assistance at www.osfa.mass.edu.
Massachusetts John & Abigail Adams Scholarship
This scholarship is a merit based, state supported undergraduate tuition waiver program. Merit is based on student scores on the 10th grade Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test. Award amounts are based on actual tuition charged for state supported undergraduate degree programs (certificates programs are not eligible) offered by MassBay. Forward a copy of your eligibility letter from the Massachusetts Department of Education to the Financial Aid Office. If you have misplaced your letter, you may contact the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education at 781.338.3625 or 781.338.3640. You may also contact the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance at 617-391-6070. In order to receive this scholarship, eligible students must be enrolled full-time and annually complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For additional information please visit the MA Office of Student Financial Assistance at www.osfa.mass.edu.
Massachusetts Cash Grant
This is funding provided to MassBay from the State of Massachusetts. This state-funded grant program (does not need to be repaid) is available to undergraduate students who are Massachusetts residents. Students must be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for at least one year prior to the opening of the academic year and be a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen eligible under Federal Title IV regulations. Students must not have a prior bachelor’s degree. Eligibility is based on demonstrated financial need and actual tuition and fees charged for state supported undergraduate degree or certificate program offered by the institution. These funds are limited and students with high financial need are given first priority. For additional information please visit the MA Office of Student Financial Assistance at www.osfa.mass.edu.
Transfer Scholarships
Various scholarships are available to assist MassBay graduates seeking transfer to four-year institutions. Below is a sample list. For more information on requirements and application deadlines for these and other transfer scholarships, please contact the College’s Transfer Counselor or the four-year institution directly.
- Boston University
Two (2) renewable scholarships for full tuition are available. Students must be a Boston public high school graduate, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a 3.5 GPA, and have completed a minimum of 60 transferable credits
- Boston University’s Metropolitan College Community Scholars’ Program
Boston University’s Metropolitan College provides the opportunity to complete a Bachelor’s degree in their evening and weekend program. This scholarship will cover 50% of tuition costs for up to 12 credits per semester, through the completion of a student’s Bachelor’s degree. Students must be graduating from MassBay with an Associate degree and a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship is awarded each fall and spring semester.
- UMass-Community College Scholars Program
This program awards up to $10,000 per year for students transferring to any University of Massachusetts campus. Requirements include completion of an Associate degree, a minimum 3.75 GPA, Massachusetts residency, and full-time status upon transfer. The award may be renewable for up to two years and is awarded each fall and spring semester.
- UMass-Amherst Community College Academic Honors Program
To be eligible for this program, a student must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and at least 45 earned academic credits towards a MassBay degree at the time of application, be completing an associate degree, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and plan to enroll in the day division. Awards of up to $2,500 per year are possible. This scholarship is awarded each fall and spring semester.
- UMass-Boston Foster Furcolo Scholarship
This scholarship pays for two years’ tuition and mandatory fees at UMass-Boston. To apply for this scholarship, a student must have completed or be completing an associate degree program at MassBay with a minimum 3.5 GPA. This scholarship is awarded each spring.
- UMass-Boston Chancellor’s Scholarship for Excellence
This scholarship can provide full tuition and mandatory fees while a student attends UMass- Boston. To qualify for the scholarship, a student must demonstrate one of the following: academic excellence with a 3.5 transfer GPA, excellence in the arts, or excellence in unpaid public or community service. This scholarship is awarded each fall and spring semester.
- UMass-Boston Student Enrollment LEADERS Program
High-achieving, newly-entering students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are interested in representing the University at key events are encouraged to apply to the Student Enrollment LEADERS Program. Applicants must plan to enroll full time. Recipients will receive approximately $1,000 annually in scholarship funding. Additionally, they must work ten hours per week within one of the offices of the Division of Enrollment Services and University Communications. Enrollment LEADERS will also serve as tour guides and goodwill ambassadors at several admissions events throughout the year. NOTE: This program is open to out-of-state students.
- UMass-Lowell Community College Transfer Scholarship
To be eligible for this program, a student must have earned a minimum 3.7 GPA and at least 45 earned academic credits towards a MassBay degree at the time of application, be completing an associate degree, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and plan to enroll in the day division. Awards of up to $2,500 per year are possible. This scholarship is awarded each fall and spring semester.
- New England Transfer Association Scholarship
Three $1,000 awards are granted each year to students who have earned an associate degree or completed 60 college-level credits with a 3.5 GPA. Recipients must be transferring to a New England Transfer Association (NETA) affiliated 4-year institution. A NETA member must nominate a student for consideration, and an essay is required. This scholarship is awarded each spring.
Senator Paul E. Tsongas Scholarship
The Paul Tsongas Scholarship Program seeks to recognize achievement and reward Massachusetts students who have graduated from high school within three years with a grade point average (G.P.A.) of 3.75 and highly competitive Scholastic Aptitude Test (S.A.T.) scores (or the American College Testing [A.C.T.] equivalent) and who also meet the one year residency requirement for tuition classification at state colleges or universities. Students who meet the above residency requirement for tuition classification and who have pursued other endeavors for a minimum of five years are eligible to apply to a state college or university for the Paul Tsongas Scholarship Program under the exceptional life experience category set forth in the guidelines. Eligible students receive a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at a Massachusetts state college or university.
To be eligible for a Paul Tsongas Scholarship, a student must:
- Meet eligibility criteria established by the state college or university and approved by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education.
- Be a permanent resident of Massachusetts for at least one year prior to the opening of the academic year.
- Be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen.
- Be in compliance with applicable Selective Service Registration Laws.
- Not be in default of any federal or state loan or owe a refund on any previously received financial aid.
- Maintain a G.P.A. of 3.3 for continued eligibility for the waiver for four years of study.
MassBay Foundation Scholarships
(www.massbay.edu/scholarships)
A wide range of scholarships are offered to qualifying MassBay students attending MassBay. See below for a complete list of available scholarships.
4.0 Scholarship
For a 2nd semester freshman carrying a full course load of at least 12 credits who has a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 from their 1st semester. Scholarship is awarded toward spring semester tuition and mandatory fees. Subsequent scholarship awards renewed if a 4.0 GPA is maintained. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident.
Angelina Grimaldi Cioffari Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of Angelina Grimaldi Cioffari by her son, Vincent. Angelina was a French, Spanish, and Italian languages professor at MassBay Community College. This award will be given in both the Fall and Spring semesters. This scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates high academic success in a foreign language. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident.
Chrysler Automotive Scholarship
Chrysler Group which includes Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and Fiat is on the move, growing steadily over the past four years and anticipates over 3,000 technician positions available in the Northeast over the next few years. These scholarships are available to students who wish to enroll in MassBay’s Chrysler Automotive Technology program. These scholarships may be used for tuition, books, and mandatory fees. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident.
Ferris Family Scholarship
This scholarship has been established to support either full-time or part-time students who are enrolled in the MassBay Automotive Technology Program. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident.
Health Sciences Scholarship
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide students in the Health Science fields with financial support who otherwise could not afford their first year in college. It is designed to give those who are financially or socially disadvantaged the help needed to start or restart their education and reach higher levels of employability. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident and complete a FAFSA.
Information Security Summit (Cyber Security) Scholarships (Full-Time and Part-Time)
The Information Security Summit Scholarship was created and is supported by the generous sponsors of the Information Security Summit established by Towerwall and MassBay Community College. Sponsors include: Alien Vault, BROCADE, CDW-G, SOPHOS, TREND, VARIOS, VORMETRIC, WAVE, Gigamon, GovConnection Inc., HB Communications, Inc., HTS, McAfee, TCG Network Services, TIBCO LogLogic, and WatchGuard. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident.
John F. McKenzie Scholarship
$500 for one student in each public high school in MassBay’s service area. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident.
Krystle Campbell Scholarship
This scholarship is established in memory of Krystle Campbell, a Medford resident who tragically lost her life at the age of 29 in the Boston Marathon Bombings on April 15, 2013. She was a MassBay graduate of the class of 2005, with an Associate Degree in Business Administration who later transferred to the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident and complete a FAFSA.
Most Improved Student Scholarship
For up to 10 students as demonstrated by the student’s grade point average (GPA) from the previous semester. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident and complete a FAFSA.
Robert and Rosemary Murphy Scholarship
The Rosemary Murphy Scholarship was established in memory of Robert and Rosemary Murphy, life-long residents of Needham, MA to be given to a Needham resident. This $500 scholarship is given to one student in the fall or spring semester and for two consecutive semesters. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident.
Scholar Athlete Scholarship
Given to student athlete(s) who have maintained a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or higher. This award will be given at the beginning of a semester for up to 11 students. This scholarship could be used for tuition or mandatory fees. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident.
Scholarship for Reentry Students
Minimum age requirement of 25 years old. Students who are full-time and have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.8 or higher. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident and complete a FAFSA.
Single Parent Scholarship
This scholarship was created for MassBay students who are single parents with full/joint custody of their minor children. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident and complete a FAFSA.
Summer Sessions Scholarship
Need-based for summer sessions; Up to eight scholarships will be awarded per summer semester. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident and complete a FAFSA.
The General Scholarship
$500 scholarships are awarded annually from this fund to MassBay students demonstrating financial need who are in good academic standing. Scholarships are given in the fall and spring semesters to as many as 20 students. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident and complete a FAFSA.
The Growth and Generosity Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to a MassBay student who can demonstrate in a 250-300 word essay their own growth and generosity or why they believe growth and generosity is important. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident and complete a FAFSA.
The Leonce Cadet Berotte Scholarship
The Leonce Cadet Berotte Scholarship was established in honor of MassBay’s Past President Berotte Joseph’s father. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving international/immigrant dream chaser, to be used towards tuition and fees up to $1,000 per semester.
The Louise Mayer Scholarship
The Louise Mayer, RN Scholarship Fund wishes to help students who are pursuing a career in the Health Care industry. Preference will go to working students and Veterans. Please submit one concise paragraph describing your past and current work experience and one paragraph describing your career aspirations. Total 300 word maximum. Scholarships are: $1,500.00 and $1,000.00. Donor will select recipients.
To apply, a student must have a GPA of 2.5 and have earned at least 20 credits. These scholarships may be used for tuition, books, and mandatory fees. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident and complete a FAFSA.
The Maxine Elmont Endowed Scholarship
The Maxine Elmont Scholarship/s will be awarded for each spring semester to a student/s studying in the Human Services Department at Massachusetts Bay Community College. The value of the scholarship/s shall be determined each January by the Massachusetts Bay Community College Foundation Inc. Board of Directors Finance Committee. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident and complete a FAFSA.
The Nursing Assistant Program Scholarship
The purpose of the nursing assistant scholarship is to provide students in this program with financial support who otherwise could not afford to go to college. It is designed to give those who are financially or socially disadvantaged the help needed to start or restart their education and reach higher levels of employability. The deadline for this scholarship depends on the funding. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident.
For further information about these scholarships, visit www.massbay.edu/scholarships or contact the MassBay Foundation Office at 781.239.3125 or tmortell@massbay.edu.
The Paul DeMinico Scholarship
This scholarship was established to support a full time second year student at MassBay Community College. Up to $2,500.00 will be awarded for the fall and again for the spring semester. This scholarship may be used for tuition, mandatory fees and books. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident and complete a FAFSA.
The President’s Scholars Scholarship (Formerly known as The President’s Top Ten Scholarship)
This scholarship is available to two academically superior high school students from the MassBay service area who are entering MassBay. Student must have a Grade Point Average of 3.0 and or be in the top 10% of their high school class. The scholarship is for $2,000 per semester for up to four semesters(Fall, Spring). Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident.
The Richard P. Carbone Scholarship
The Richard P. Carbone Scholarship was established in memory of Richard P. Carbone, a Wellesley High School Assistant Principal from 1968 until he retired in 1985. Toria Carbone, Richard’s wife, recalls, “He was most proud that he never gave up on a kid.” The scholarship will be awarded to up to 10 MassBay students to be used for tuition, books, and mandatory fees. The candidates must be residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and complete a FAFSA.
The Virginia F. Sapienza Scholarship
The Virginia F. Sapienza Scholarship was established in honor of former long-time MassBay music professor Virginia Sapienza. The scholarship is a one-semester award given to provide support to a musician or other artist. The scholarship is for $500, and given to one student in the fall semester and one student in the spring semester. Must be a Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident and complete a FAFSA.
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