Free Community College

Free Community College is Here!

Hear about how free community college has impacted the lives of Bristol students:

Free Community College allows all Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend Bristol Community College for free. 

Your tuition and fees – we've got you covered. Many students will also receive an allowance for books and supplies based on income and enrollment. 

To be eligible for Free Community College, you must:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA and are an approved “High School Completer” under the Massachusetts tuition equity law, you can complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) and still attend for free.
• Apply to Bristol Community College for free and enroll in an associate degree or financial aid eligible certificate program. 
• Have physically resided in Massachusetts for at least one year as of the start of your first enrolled term. For dependent students, as determined by the FAFSA, the parent whose information is reported on the FAFSA must also meet the one-year Massachusetts residency requirement. 
• Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent (GED/HiSET).
• Be enrolled in either:
  • at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate, OR
  • courses that meet the initial training requirements for emergency medical technical and paramedic certification, regardless of credits earned. 
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the college's requirements.

Learn more about how Free Community College in Massachusetts works in our FAQs.

Free Community College is a last dollar financial aid grant that is applied to a student’s account after all other state and federal financial aid and grants are applied. 

All students are subject to program guidelines and must maintain eligibility throughout the course of their studies to continue to receive financial aid through the Free Community College program. All students must complete the current FAFSA or MASFA to be considered eligible and complete the new FAFSA or MAFSA every year to maintain eligibility. 

For the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters, students must complete the 2026-2027 form; a new financial aid application must be submitted each academic year for continued funding. 

Final program guidelines for the 2026-2027 academic year will be forthcoming. 

Students who receive Free Community College awards who are later found to be ineligible, for any reason, may be billed for disbursed funds.  

What's Next?

Complete the FAFSA: The opportunities above are only available if you complete your FAFSA!  

Apply Now: Begin your journey towards a tuition-free education. Apply to Bristol today.

Need help? Check out our Admissions Events for help with completing applications, checking off enrollment items, getting transfer credit evaluations, and more.

Free Community College FAQs

Still have questions?

For questions about your financial aid award package, contact Financial Aid at FinancialAid@BristolCC.edu or 774.357.2515.

For questions about your bill, including bill payment, contact Student Accounts at StudentAccounts@BristolCC.edu or 774.357.2160.   

For general questions, contact Navigators@BristolCC.edu or 774.357.2590. 

Why Choose Bristol?

Bristol Community College offers a wide variety of degree and certificate programs at an exceptional value. With 96% of 2025 graduates likely to recommend Bristol to others, Bristol is the smart option for higher education. Experience a supportive learning environment with a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio and explore 117 academic programs across four convenient locations — Attleboro, Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton—as well as online. Then, continue your education by taking advantage of the 80+ transfer agreements with four-year institutions! 

Support Services to Guide Your Success

At Bristol, you'll find numerous support services to enhance your college experience both inside and outside the classroom.

• Adult Education - Don't let an incomplete high school education hold you back. Get back on track with Bristol’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) and HiSET/GED services. 

• Advising - The Bristol team of academic advisors works in collaboration with the entire college community, faculty, and staff, to promote your success.
• Library Learning Commons - Get help with writing, study skills, and more through free in-person and online tutoring for any student. The Learning Commons houses both the Writing and the Tutoring and Academic Support Centers.  
• Transfer Services - Bristol’s Transfer Services provides you with the transfer counseling needed to continue your education here at Bristol and at four-year colleges and universities. 
• Career Services - Bristol helps put your education to use. Career Services is available for career counseling, job search assistance and networking opportunities. 
• Disability Services - Access & Disability Services (ADS) provides a full range of advocacy and learning services for Bristol’s diverse population of students with disabilities. 
• Veterans Services - Get support and benefits through the Veterans Center.
• Credit for Prior Learning - Get credit for learning through your work, life or learning experience.
• English as a Second Language - Get help developing your English language skills.
• Child Care Center - Skip the high-priced daycare facilities with on-site childcare, available on the Fall River Campus.