By Bob Katzen

The Healey Administration is urging all students and families, particularly low-income families, to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-2026 college academic year. The federal form is required for students to be eligible for certain federal and state financial aid, including free community college and opportunities to attend the state’s public four-year universities without paying tuition and fees.

“Earlier this year, we visited high schools across Massachusetts for our Higher Education Financial Aid Road Show,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “The students we spoke with expressed overwhelming interest in going to college, but many said they were unaware of the historic levels of available state financial aid. Massachusetts has nearly $400 million in financial aid and we want students and families to know the first step to accessing this money is to complete the FAFSA.”

“Too many students leave money on the table by not completing the FAFSA, and the implications of that are significant,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “Accessing financial aid has an impact on whether a student attends the institution of their choice or attends college at all. College access, and the upward mobility that comes from a college degree, all start with applying for financial aid.”

Students and families can learn more about FAFSA by visiting Mass.Gov/FinancialAid which has links to free FAFSA.