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 $6,345 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 May 1. Up to $1,700 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 $12.75/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 2.75% for the 2020-2021 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 2.75% for the 2020-2021 academic year for undergraduate loans. Fixed interest of 4.30% for the 2020-2021 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 5.30% for the 2020-2021 academic year. Repayment begins 60 days after the final loan disbursement. Loan fees of 4.228% are deducted from all loans processed before October 1, 2021. 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
413.662.5230
finaid@mcla.edu
