Undocumented immigrants can now earn a degree for free at six community colleges in Massachusetts.
The news was announced last week by municipality officials in Boston.
Under this program, school fees can be funded for up to three years for Massachusetts residents.
In addition to tuition, the program also provides nearly $250 per semester to cover the cost of books, transportation and other expenses. The amount is even higher for “students with an outstanding balance at a partner institution that prevents them from re-enrolling at that institution,” according to a statement from city officials. They can receive up to $2,500 in related fees.
The six community colleges affected are: Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, Bunker Hill Community College, Massasoit Community College, MassBay Community College, Roxbury Community College and Urban College of Boston, the release said.
Students will not need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form previously required for U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, said the release issued last week by the City of Boston.
Through this program, Massachusetts residents of any age can earn an associate’s degree or short-term certificate at any of the above institutions. However, students already registered at one of the affected institutions will not be eligible for this new program, which is one of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s campaign promises.
“Cost should not be a barrier to higher education,” wrote Michelle Wu, in a tweet Wednesday. The program “will continue to help more residents afford, attend and complete their education.” the first woman elected mayor of Boston added.
Costs should not be a barrier to higher education. Boston’s Tuition-Free Community College (TFCC) Plan, including our new pilot partnership with @MassArt, will continue to help more residents afford, attend & complete college.
Learn more & apply: https://t.co/xS1kckUXw5 pic.twitter.com/kgmtKpAUbU
— Mayor Michelle Wu 吳弭 (@MayorWu) April 5, 2023
The Massachusetts 7th District representative also welcomed the program’s implementation.
“Expanding Boston’s free community college program will help remove economic barriers to higher education,” said Ayanna Pressley. “I am proud to have secured this federal funding to help students earn a college degree and help solve the college affordability crisis,” she added.
Expanding Boston’s free community college program will help remove economic barriers to higher education.
I am proud to have secured this federal funding to support students pursuing a college degree & help address the college affordability crisis.https://t.co/0YBJPoqlwW
— Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) April 3, 2023
Community colleges are typically liaisons to universities. They offer associate degree programs over a period of two years or more. Students who want to earn their bachelor’s degrees often transfer to universities for another two years or so.
With an associate’s degree, students can get a decent job in large companies.
The costs of associate’s programs in community colleges are relatively high. Before the free tuition program was implemented, a student would have to pay an average of $700 per course per semester.
To earn an associate degree, a student must complete more than 20 courses or 60 credits.
For those who have already started a higher education program, they can still submit a transfer application for courses already completed.
For immigrants (legal or illegal), they must provide an evaluation of their courses and/or degrees if they wish to obtain equivalency for some of the courses completed outside the United States.