MA Veterans Categorical Tuition Waiver

What is the Veterans Categorical Tuition Waiver?

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), offers a Categorical Tuition Waiver to all veterans or active members of the Armed Forces who are permanent and legal residents of Massachusetts. The Categorical Tuition Waiver is a component of the Single Tuition Waiver Program and has the same purpose of maintaining access to the Commonwealth's public colleges and universities. The Categorical Tuition Waiver is designed to provide financial support to individuals who might not have the opportunity to achieve higher education without such assistance.

To be eligible for a Veterans Categorical Tuition Waiver, a veteran student must:

  • Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the enrolled term, with an intent to remain in Massachusetts consistent with Board of Higher Education policy; and
    • Have approved eligibility status as a “High School Completer,” per the Massachusetts tuition equity law, or
    • be a U.S. Citizen, permanent legal resident, or
    • non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations.
  • Not be in default of any federal or state Student Loans for attendance at any institution or owe a refund for any previous financial aid received.
  • Enroll in at least three undergraduate credits per semester in State-Supported undergraduate degree or certificate program.
  • Be maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with institutional and federal standards.
  • A member of an eligible category as defined below:
    • Veteran: As provided in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(43) including: Spanish War, World War I, World War II, Korean, Vietnam, Lebanese peace keeping force, Grenada rescue mission, the Panamanian intervention force, or the Persian Gulf.
      • *For purposes of tuition waivers, the term "veteran" shall also include any individual who served in the army, navy, marine corps, coast guard or air force of the United States for not less than ninety days at least one of which was served in the theatre of operation for the Somalian mission known as "Operation Restore Hope" and whose last discharge or release was under honorable conditions.
    • Armed Forces: An active member of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force or Coast Guard) stationed and residing in Massachusetts.
  • In accordance with institutional requirements, each veteran student must present documentation of categorical waiver eligibility to the appropriate college officials.

I am a Graduate or Continuing Education Undergraduate student. Can I still apply for the Categorical Tuition Waiver?

YES!  Even though the Commonwealth law applies only to University's Day Division (as it is State-Supported), Framingham State University extends the Veterans Categorical Tuition Waiver to eligible Graduate and Continuing Education Undergraduate students. 

How do I apply for the MA Categorical Tuition Waiver?

Complete the MA Categorical Tuition Waiver form and submit it to the Office of the University Registrar for processing. Proof of residency and Service Verification must be submitted with your initial waiver. For verification of service please submit a Service Verification Letter in lieu of your DD-214.  This can be found through your eBenefits account. 

I have used the Tuition Waiver in previous semesters.  Do I need to still apply?

YES.  A new categorical tuition waiver form must be completed and submitted to the Office of University Registrar prior to each term you in which you enroll in at least one course.

Please submit all waivers to the Office of Veterans & Military Services. 

Dwight Hall 111A

Veterans@framingham.edu

Office: 508.626.4632 | Fax: 508.215.5633