Boston Free Tuition Program Expanded To All Residents

The city of Boston has expanded its tuition-free community college program to include all city residents regardless of age and income. Starting this fall, any Boston resident will be eligible to pursue a degree or certificate at one of six partnering local institutions without paying to attend. Boston’s tuition-free community college program has served over 1,000 students since 2016, according to city officials.

The Tuition-Free Community College (TFCC) Plan pays for up to three years of tuition and fees for Boston residents — regardless of their age, income, or immigration status — who are pursuing an associate degree or short-term certificate program at a partner college. The community colleges participating in the program include 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 costs covered will be all tuition and mandatory fees remaining after any other applicable financial aid has been applied. Students will also get $250 each semester for up to three years of college-related expenses such as books or transportation. The program will also pay debt of up to $2,500 for students with an outstanding balance at a partner college that is preventing a student from re-enrolling at that school.

Students simply need to apply to their desired program and the partner colleges will apply the funds as a part of their financial aid process. Boston’s mayor Michelle Wu said she believes that “every Boston resident who wants to learn the skills and knowledge to give back to our communities and build a life here should be able to do so.”