When you complete the FAFSA and MCLA financial aid forms, you automatically apply for most of these programs; exceptions are noted. Steps to apply for aid.
Federal Pell Grant Program: Available to undergraduates enrolled for six or more credits who demonstrate need. Up to $6,495 per year. Eligibility limited to a maximum of 12 semesters or 6 years.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: Available to undergraduates enrolled for nine or more credits who demonstrate exceptional need. Up to $1,800 per year.
Tuition Waiver: State waiver available to undergraduate residents of Massachusetts enrolled for six or more credits who demonstrate need. This award on the account is specifically applied toward in-state tuition.
Mass Cash Grant: State grant available to undergraduate residents of Massachusetts enrolled for six or more credits who demonstrate need.
Massachusetts Grant Program (MASSGrant): A State grant for a maximum of eight semesters. Available to Massachusetts residents who do not have an undergraduate degree. Full-time enrollment required. FAFSA filing deadline is August 1 for the 2022-2023 academic year. Up to $2,200 per year.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Grant: Available for undergraduates enrolled for six or more credits who demonstrate need.
Part-Time Grants: Available to part-time undergraduate residents of Massachusetts enrolled for 6-11 credits who demonstrate need.
Paul E. Tsongas Scholarship: Available to full-time Massachusetts residents in the top 10% of their high school graduating class (or who have a recalculated GPA of 3.75 or better) and SAT I totals of 1200. Renewable based on continued enrollment with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better. Awarded at the time of admission. Tuition and mandatory college fees are waived under this program.
State University Internship Incentive Program: Available as a one time award to full-time students from Massachusetts who meet certain criteria. Students who apply for a credit-based internship will automatically be reviewed to see if they qualify for the Internship Incentive Grant.
Federal College Work Study: Part-time jobs for full-time students enrolled for who demonstrate need. A bi-weekly paycheck is received for hours worked. Wage begins at $13.50/hour and all earnings are paid at straight time. Award cannot be applied to the semester invoice.
Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loan: Long-term, low interest loan. Fixed interest of 3.73% for the 2021-2022 academic year. Available to undergraduate students enrolled for six or more credits who demonstrate need. Repayment begins six months after graduation or withdrawal. Loan fees of 1.057% (before October 1, 2021) will be deducted from all loan proceeds.
Maximums for Subsidized AND Unsubsidized Loans (based on grade level)
$3,500 1st year; 1-29 credits earned
$4,500 2nd year; 30-59 credits earned
$5,500 3rd-5th year; 60 or more credits earned
Up to $20,500 per year for graduate students
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan: Long-term, low interest loan. Fixed interest of 3.73% for the 2021-2022 academic year for undergraduate loans. Fixed interest of 5.28% for the 2021-2022 graduate loans. Undergraduate and graduate students must be enrolled for six or more credits. Not based on financial need; however, you must apply using the financial aid application process. Interest payment charged while enrolled. Repayment begins six months after graduation or withdrawal. Loan fees of 1.057% (before October 1, 2021) will be deducted from all loan proceeds. Loan maximums same as subsidized, above.
Federal Direct Parent Plus Loan Program: Available to parents of dependent students. Fixed interest rate of 6.28% for the 2021-2022 academic year. Loan fees of 4.228% are deducted from all loans processed before October 1, 2021. A parent's PLUS loan will enter repayment 60 days after the funds are fully disbursed and the repayment term is up to 10 years. However, a parent PLUS loan borrower is allowed to defer payments while the student is in school at least half time and for a 6 month grace period after they graduate or leave school. It would be up to the borrower to make payment arrangements with their servicer. Parents may borrow up to the full cost of attendance less merit and need-based aid. Direct Parent Plus Loan info.
Massachusetts No Interest Loan Program: State No Interest Loan awarded to eligible Massachusetts undergraduate residents who are enrolled in 12 or more credits. Repayment begins six months after graduation or withdrawal..
If you are a first time Federal Direct Student Loan Borrower at MCLA, must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling before receiving loan proceeds from your first loan. Complete Counseling Online
413.662.5219
finaid@mcla.edu
