Illegal Immigrants Now Eligible For Free Community College In Massachusetts

If you're an illegal immigrant, you may be able to attend community college free of charge in Massachusetts..That's because Governor Maura Healey signed a $57.78 billion fiscal year 2025 budget bill into law on Monday that included $93.5 million for tuition-free community college. The program, called MassEducate, will allow residents of Massachusetts who lack a bachelor's degree to attend community college for no charge, including illegal immigrants who were eligible for in-state tuition this past school year..Several Massachusetts community college web sites have already been updated to reflect the new policy, including Cape Cod Community College, Northern Essex Community College, Berkshire Community College, and Bristol Community College..Each of their web sites notes that illegal immigrant students, who were eligible for in-state tuition this past school year due to the state's so-called tuition equity law, can attend school for free this upcoming school year..Here are those eligibility guidelines, according to the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education:.The student must have 1) attended high school (or district-approved home school) during three academic years of high school (9th – 12th grade) in Massachusetts and 2) graduated from a Massachusetts high school or have a Massachusetts high school diploma equivalent. The school may be public or private but must be physically located within Massachusetts. A student must also have graduated from high school or have received the equivalent of a high school diploma (such as a GED or HiSET). .Here are the complete eligibility guidelines for the MassEducate program, according to Bristol Community College:.Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the enrolled term.Are either: A U.S. Citizen, permanent legal resident, or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations, orAn approved "High School Completer" per the Massachusetts tuition equity law.Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent.Are enrolled in at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.Maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the college's requirements..Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance spokesman Paul Craney ripped the illegal immigrant eligibility provision of the policy, arguing that it's bad for Massachusetts taxpayers.."Massachusetts is a magnet state for illegal and inadmissible migrants, due to our very generous taxpayer-funded benefits," Craney told NewBostonPost in an email message. "There is nothing as expensive as making something free, including community college. The cost will inevitably balloon and the taxpayers will forever be obligated to pay for this irresponsible decision."."There is nothing more irresponsible than a politician making something 'free' and implying to people that someone else will pay for it," Craney added. "Everyone should have some skin in the game. Continuing to disconnect people from the actual costs of higher education is only going to make it more expensive for everyone in the long run. State House leaders are irresponsible to pursue this.".Massachusetts has 15 state-run community colleges, according to the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges..New to NewBostonPost? Discover the difference with content that goes beyond the typical Massachusetts news outlets. Stay informed with news and commentary rooted in conservative values—for just $1 a week. Cancel anytime. Don’t wait—join now and see what you’ve been missing!

Illegal Immigrants Now Eligible For Free Community College In Massachusetts

Related Stories