UMass Lowell Announces Free Tuition in Partnership with MASSGrant Plus

LOWELL — Massachusetts students whose family income is $75,000 or less will not pay tuition or fees when enrolling at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Chancellor Julie Chen announced Tuesday.

“High school seniors and their families are spending this fall narrowing down their college choices or deciding whether they can afford college at all,” Chen said. “UMass Lowell is committed to making it clear that Massachusetts residents can afford an outstanding higher education.”

She also noted that more than 40% of UMass Lowell students are the first generation in their families to attend college.

“The impact of higher education can be felt by families for generations,” Chen said. “Thank you to our state legislators and the Healy-Driscoll administration for funding MASSGrant Plus and for their investment in the future of UMass Lowell students.”

UMass President Marty Meehan said all four UMass system campuses are moving in that direction.

“I am proud that UMass Lowell emphasizes how affordable a UMass education is, and I appreciate the work that Chancellor Chen and other UMass chancellors are doing to ensure that UMass families and students understand this reality,” Meehan said.

“Over the past decade, the University of Massachusetts system has increased university-funded financial aid by 73% to a record $409 million annually,” he said. “This financial assistance, funded by the University of Massachusetts, supported by the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s and Legislature’s historic expansion of MASSGrant Plus, has enabled all college campuses to cover tuition and mandatory fees for our neediest students.”

“There are few stronger long-term investments that Massachusetts students and their families can make than a degree from UMass Lowell,” said Tom Golden, Lowell city manager and UMass Lowell alumnus.

Lowell’s elected leaders also praised the program.

State Senator Ed Kennedy said, “This is a great program for families throughout my state Senate district. “I commend the University of Massachusetts for using the tools available at the state level to ensure educational opportunities for local families.”

“The University of Massachusetts Lowell continues to look for ways to make the campus more accessible to the community, and programs like these offer working families a great opportunity to send their children to college,” said State Rep. Vanna Howard.

State Rep. Rodney Elliott said, “Programs like MASSGrant Plus ensure that a world-class higher education is financially achievable right here in Lowell for those who never imagined themselves going to college.”

Students eligible for the MASSGrant Plus program will have full tuition and mandatory fees covered by federal, state, and institutional aid. Rights and application details are available at Mass.edu/osfa/programs/massgrantplus.asp.