Tuition Equity Law

As a state institution, Quinsigamond Community College sets tuition and fees based on residency classification regulations from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and the New England Board of Higher Education.

• Tuition and fee rates are found on the Student Payments page.
• Initial determination of the residency status for tuition classification is a part of the admissions process for degree-seeking students.
• Non-degree students complete an in-state tuition eligibility form and supporting documentation as a part of the registration process.
• Any student requesting a re-evaluation of their in-state tuition eligibility based on changed circumstances also completes the in-state tuition eligibility form and submits supporting documentation.

In general, students who are US citizens, permanent residents, or other non-citizens may be eligible for in-state tuition rates if they have lived in Massachusetts for at least 6 continuous months prior to the start of the semester they are attending and intend to remain in Massachusetts. Under the Tuition Equity Law, undocumented students who attended a Massachusetts High School may qualify for in-state tuition rates effective July 1, 2023.

As proof of intent of residency and intent to remain in Massachusetts students may be requested to provide documentation, such as those listed on the form.

A change from out-of-state to in-state tuition rates can take place only after the end of the schedule adjustment period will be effective the following semester.

Students may also qualify for in-state tuition and fees rate if they are:

• A member of armed forces (or spouse or emancipated child) on active duty in Massachusetts
• Any individual using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill® -Active Duty Program), Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation}, or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®), of Title 38, United States Code, and/or the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311 (b)(9)) who lives in Massachusetts while attending Quinsigamond Community College will be charged in-State tuition rate.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site.

• Massachusetts Residency Certification Form

NEW! A Massachusetts law on Tuition Equity passed in August 2023 and is effective beginning in 2023-2024.

If you are a Massachusetts resident who does not meet the citizenship criteria for federal financial aid, you may qualify for both in-state tuition rates and state financial aid grants and scholarships if you meet the criteria for "High School Completer" status. Under the new “High School Completers” Tuition Equity Law, certain non-US citizens*, including undocumented students, who attended high school in Massachusetts for at least three years and earned a diploma (or the equivalent, such as a GED/HiSET) in Massachusetts, may be eligible for in-state tuition and be considered for state financial aid programs in all Massachusetts colleges and universities, including Quinsigamond Community College.

 To be considered, all three of the below are needed:

1. You must have attended a Massachusetts High School for at least 3 years AND have either:

• graduated from high school in Massachusetts, or
• received the equivalent of a high school diploma (for example, a GED or HiSet) in Massachusetts

1. You will need to be accepted to an eligible degree or certificate program AND submit a completed "Tuition Equity Eligibility Form and Affidavit for High School Completers" or the version for high school seniors form to the Admissions Office. If approved, this process will allow you to be charged the in-state tuition rate and allow you to apply for state financial aid funds. Please contact the QCC Admissions Office at 508.853.2300 or by email to admissions@qcc.mass.edu[insert email hyperlink] for help with this process. 

*Students who have DACA, TPS, U-visa or T- visa may be eligible for both in-state tuition and state financial aid consideration if they meet all other requirements. People visiting the U.S. on temporary non-immigrant visas (such as tourist visas, F-1 student visas, exchange visitor visas, or temporary work visas) will not be eligible for in-state tuition rates or state financial aid.

1. If you decide to apply for state financial aid grants and scholarships as a High School Completer, you will also need to submit the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). 

For more information, please visit our scholarship eligibility criteria page. If you have questions about the MASFA application, please reach out to financialaid@qcc.mass.edu.

Massachusetts In-State Tuition Eligibility Form

• Form for HS seniors Form:
• Form for everyone else