TL;DR: Undocumented students in Massachusetts can now apply for state need-based financial aid through a new program called the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). This program allows college students without legal immigration status to apply for financial aid for the first time. The MASFA application is based on the federally run FAFSA for the 2023-2024 academic year and is intended for students who are beginning college in the spring or who were enrolled in the fall 2023 semester. Eligibility criteria includes attending a Massachusetts high school for at least three years, graduating from high school or receiving the equivalent of a diploma in Massachusetts, signing up for the military draft if eligible, and completing a DHE affidavit stating they will apply to become a citizen or permanent legal resident within 120 days after becoming eligible.
Undocumented students in Massachusetts can now apply for state need-based financial aid through a new program called the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). The program was launched on the Department of Higher Education website this week and allows college students without legal immigration status to apply for financial aid for the first time. MASFA is based on the federally run FAFSA for the 2023-2024 academic year and is intended for students who are beginning college in the spring or who were enrolled in the fall 2023 semester.
The eligibility criteria includes attending a Massachusetts high school for at least three academic years, graduating from high school or receiving the equivalent of a high school diploma in Massachusetts, signing up for the military draft if eligible, and completing a DHE affidavit stating that they will apply to become a citizen or permanent legal resident within 120 days after becoming eligible. It is encouraged that students apply for MASFA by May 1 and no later than June 30 to receive financial aid for the 2023-2024 school year.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey said, “Quality higher education should be accessible to all Massachusetts high school graduates” and that undocumented students who have long been part of the state’s communities should be eligible for financial aid programs. The MASFA application follows the passage of the Tuition Equity Law in August, which allowed undocumented high school students to qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in Massachusetts.
State Senator Liz Miranda highlighted the significance of the new financial aid opportunity, stating that it will provide countless immigrants and families across Massachusetts with access to higher education and opportunities. The program is seen as a way for talented and hard-working individuals to build a life of meaning and purpose in the state.
The launch of MASFA is part of Governor Healey’s efforts to increase access to higher education in the state. The program aims to give undocumented students equal access to higher education and provide them with the same opportunities as their peers.
