5 Best Massachusetts Scholarships
Updated November 8, 2022 · 2 Min Read
Discover Massachusetts Scholarships
Scholarships for Massachusetts can help students in the "Bay State" harbor enough wealth to pursue higher education. Since being colonized by Pilgrims in 1620, Massachusetts has grown into America's 15th most populous state with over 6.79 million locals. College students often adore Massachusetts' quaint New England charm, fresh seafood chowder, nearly 1,600 miles of Atlantic coastline, bustling cities of Boston and Worcester, and historical landmarks like Plymouth Rock. Massachusetts also has a top-notch higher education landscape with 30 public and 84 private options. Northeastern University, Brandeis University, Tufts University, Boston University, Wellesley College, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology stand among the world's best. In fact, Harvard University in Cambridge is ranked the second best institution by the USNWR. Make your educational journey as affordable as possible with the following 5 Massachusetts scholarships.
Finding financial freedom in the "Cradle of Liberty" can be tough with rising tuition. In the 2015-16 academic year, the average tuition in Massachusetts was $7,129 for in-state and $28,137 for out-of-state residents. Prices rise exponentially higher at Massachusetts' elite private, nonprofit institutions too. For example, Amherst College charges undergraduates a yearly comprehensive fee of $65,330! Financial aid is vital to keep your collegiate career from sinking into Cape Cod Bay under hefty tuition bills. Along with these 5 scholarships for Massachusetts, consider other state-based programs like the Massachusetts Public Service Grant and Part-Time Grant.
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The Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) offers the Early Childhood Educators Scholarship for $2,250 to $4,500 per semester. It’s designed for undergraduates specializing in PreK-3 education at participating in-state, nonprofit institutions, such as Clark University, Endicott College, Worcester State University, and Mount Wachusett Community College. Interested teachers can apply online via the MASSAid Student Portal through June 1st.
Eligibility:
- Be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens in Massachusetts
- Pursue an associate or bachelor’s in early childhood education
- Work at least one year at EEC-authorized childcare centers
- Agree to continue teaching in Massachusetts or repay funds
Since 1993, the Facility Management Corporation (FMC) Ice Sports has presented the $1,000 Skaters Scholarship to around 400 college-bound high school seniors. It’s reserved for New England residents in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Maine who actively skate at FMC arenas from East Boston to Worcester. Until May 1st, student-athletes can submit their resume, high school transcript, SAT/ACT score, recommendation form, and 500-word personal essay.
Eligibility:
- Be accepted at accredited, two- or four-year U.S. colleges
- Participate in ice hockey, figure skating, and recreational ice sports
- Display good academic performance with 2.0 GPA or higher
- Exhibit financial need for higher education costs
The Massachusetts State Legislature began the Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship in 1972 to provide coverage for up to 50 percent of college tuition. The OSFA recruits high school sophomores and juniors who have overcome major adversity, such as abuse, cancer, or homelessness, and need help to attain higher education. Applications are due on February 3rd with two references, tax returns, official transcripts, and an autobiographical essay.
Eligibility:
- Attend a public or private high school in Massachusetts
- Be United States citizens or nationals registered for Selective Service
- Have good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Demonstrate difficult personal circumstances
Another of the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance’s (OSFA) merit-based programs is the Paul Tsongas Scholarship, which gifts full tuition waivers. Chosen high school seniors can attend the Commonwealth’s nine state institutions, such as Salem State University, Bridgewater State University, and Framingham State University, for free if a 3.3 GPA is maintained. Each college only picks five recipients yearly, so apply early.
Eligibility:
- Be permanent legal residents of Massachusetts for 12+ months
- Excel academically with a minimum secondary GPA of 3.75
- Score at least 1200 on the SAT or an ACT equivalent
- Have applied for federal financial aid and not be in default
Each Spring, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) receives over 2,500 applications for its $2 million funding opportunities, including the MassMutual Scholarship. This merit-based program provides $2,500 to $5,000 for residents of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Enfield, Connecticut. Online applications must be submitted before July 15th. Other available funds include the Edward J. Bayon Memorial Scholarship and Caleb L. Butler Scholarship.
Eligibility:
- Register full-time at two- or four-year colleges in New England
- Maintain a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or greater
- Declare majors related to business, math, and information technology
- Exhibit genuine interest in the insurance or financial services industry