The following programs are not endorsed by the State Approving Agency but are listed as a resource only:
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers a tuition waiver to all veterans and active duty servicepersons who are permanent and legal residents of Massachusetts. This waiver can be used at any Massachusetts state or community college or University campus.
To apply for the waiver, the student must present documentation of categorical waiver eligibility to the institution’s Veterans Certifying Official, usually separation papers or copy of orders. For more information, contact the institution you are attending or plan to attend. FOr more information, you may also contact the Department of Higher Education's Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617)-391-6070.
The Massachusetts National Guard Education Assistance Program provides a 100% tuition and fee waiver for active members of the Massachusetts Army National Guard attending a state college, university, or community college program. Assistance can continue as long as you are good academic standing and until you have reached 130 semester hours.
To apply, you must request a Certificate of Eligibility (TAGMA Form 621-3) every 30 credits from the Massachusetts National Guard Education Office. You may request one by calling the office at 508-968-5889.
Federal Tuition Assistance can be provided to Massachusetts National Guard soldiers who are taking a course or program taken at a regionally or nationally accredited, public or private college, university, vocational, technical or trade school located inside or outside the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This tuition assistance can be applied towards tuition and all authorized fees with the maximum amount of $4500 per year.
This grant, awarded to the Department of Workforce Development and the Division of Career Services, provides funding for short-term training (less than 48 weeks) for eligible veterans, leading to meaningful employment. Award amounts vary depending on eligibility for other funding sources. General amounts range from $1,200 to $5,000. The grant can be combined with other veteran financial benefits (GI Bill, Chapter 115, etc).
To apply for the grant, contact the Veterans Representative at your local One Stop Career Center.
If you served in Iraq or Afghanistan, you may be eligible to receive the Massachusetts Welcome Home Bonus with amounts ranging from $500 to $1,000.