Press Room

Senate plan has already reversed enrollment decline, created opportunity for thousands 

(FRAMINGHAM—10/2/2024) Massachusetts State Senators today celebrated the official launch of MassEducate, universal tuition-free community college for Massachusetts. Senate members joined the Healey-Driscoll administration and higher education leaders to officially launch the program at an event at Massachusetts Bay Community College in Framingham.  

Originally proposed in the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget and codified into law in the Legislature’s final budget, MassEducate allows Massachusetts residents who do not already hold a bachelor’s degree the opportunity to attend any of the state’s 15 public community colleges and pay no tuition or fees. 

The program is designed to offer residents of any age the opportunity to earn a degree in high-demand fields like nursing, engineering, life sciences, and other fields, thereby helping to fill Massachusetts’ workforce shortages with homegrown talent.  

“Two years ago, I stood before the Senate and laid out a vision for universal free community college as part of our efforts to make the Commonwealth more affordable, competitive and equitable. Today, thanks to the leadership of Chair Comerford and Chair Rodrigues, and the support of every member of our Chamber, free community college is now the law in Massachusetts,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Conversations about college have turned from ‘I wish’, to ‘I will’ for so many of our residents, and this transformative investment will reverberate in families for generations. I could not be prouder of the Senate, or more thankful for each and every member for their support.” 

“I’m thrilled to see this ambitious initiative be officially launched,” said Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport). “No cost community college removes barriers and allows everyone an opportunity to obtain a higher educational degree without the stress of a burdensome financial obligation. This program will fill an educated workforce pipeline in some of most desirable and competitive vocational fields in the Commonwealth.” 

“Today, we celebrate our state's historic investment in a mighty equity engine, workforce engine, and opportunity engine,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “We have seen the state's transformative investments at work through MassReconnect. MassEducate—universally free community college—builds on the program's successes and will allow more Massachusetts residents to access the promise and power of a higher education degree. I am deeply grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka and Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues for prioritizing higher education. Investing in our students today means a brighter tomorrow for our Commonwealth.” 

“As a member of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, I am delighted MassEducate will allow the Commonwealth to provide a free community college education to Massachusetts residents who might not be able to afford one otherwise,” said Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Lowell), a member of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “I want to thank Senate President Spilka and Governor Healey for championing this legislation and ensuring it came to fruition.” 

“As a community college graduate, and occasional adjunct professor at local community colleges as well, I know firsthand the high-quality education and workforce training that students can receive at our community colleges,” said Senator Paul Mark (D-Beckett), a member of the Joint Higher Education Committee. “This significant investment, led by the Massachusetts Senate, will increase the opportunity for students throughout Massachusetts to obtain a college degree while avoiding the need for a significant amount of student loans and debt.  Investing in public higher education strengthens our workforce, strengthens our economy, and invests in the professionals who give so much to educate our students.” 

“As a strong advocate for expanding educational access, I’m thrilled to see the launch of MassEducate,” said Senator Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence), a member of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “The program will provide life changing opportunities for thousands of Massachusetts residents, including those attending the two community colleges in my district. In the gateway cities of Haverhill, Lawrence, and Methuen, MassEducate will open doors for students who may have once seen college as out of reach. By investing in free community college, we are not only easing financial burdens but also building a stronger workforce with homegrown talent, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow." 

Community college enrollment has jumped at institutions around the state, such as at Massachusetts Bay Community College, where enrollment for Fall 2024 has increased over 36 per cent from Fall 2022. Overall, free community college is anticipated to impact more than 45,000 students this academic year.  

The program builds on the success of MassReconnect, included in the Legislature’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget, which piloted free community college by offering free tuition to students in nursing programs and students over 25 years old without a bachelor’s degree. More than 4,500 students participated in the program.  

The Legislature’s budget included a historic $392 million for financial aid across the statewide public higher education system, including $117.5 million for free community college.  

To learn more about free community college, residents can contact their local public community college or go to Mass.Gov/StudentAid.  

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