Massachusetts

Massachusetts Scholarships and Grants

This year you are a high school senior, but next fall, your life will take a giant leap into your future. You’re going to college! Whether you are staying home or going away, this marks the end of one phase of your life’s journey and the beginning of another. Who couldn’t use a little financial help to help out? So, take a deep breath – a short time-out from all the excitement of your senior year – and think about applying for a scholarship or two. You’ll never know what’s out there until you look. These are just a few we’ve colleted to get you started, but if nothing here is a perfect match, see your guidance counselor at school. This is just the tip of the iceberg, and there are so many more available! Best of luck on your journey!

American Legion Massachusetts Auxiliary

If you live in the state, are between the ages of 16-19, and are the dependent of a veteran, or dependent of a deceased veteran who perished during the Grenada conflict, Korean War, Lebanon conflict, Panama conflict, Persian Gulf War, WWI, WWII, or Viet Nam, you might be interested in this scholarship. It is meant for undergraduate study at a vocational, 2 or 4-year college or university, and there is no specific major field of study required. The award ranges from $200 to $750. For additional information, just go to www.masslegion-aux.org.

American Legion Massachusetts General and Nursing

If you or a parent are a member of the American Legion, and you are a descendant or dependent of a veteran, and reside in Massachusetts, check this out! Application requirements include letters of recommendation, transcript, and proof of eligibility. Total awards are as follows:

For more information go to www.masslegion.org.

Massachusetts Robert C. Byrd Honors

You have worked hard and have demonstrated consistently high scholastic achievement! Now, because of all your hard work, you may qualify for this prestigious scholarship.

You must be a state resident and a high school senior to apply. Scholastically, you are required to have at least a 3.5 GPA, and rank in the top 5% of your graduating class. You must have proven leadership abilities as well as a history of service to others. This award is renewable for up to four years, with an initial amount of $1,500 per year. If you think you qualify for this scholarship, don’t hesitate to contact your high school guidance counselor, and do it today. You will have to be nominated by your high school to receive this award. Check out www.doe.mass.edu for further details.

Paul Tsongas

If you receive this scholarship it will cover full tuition and all related fees at any Massachusetts state college. Eligibility requirements include a minimum 3.75 GPA, a SAT score of 1200, and proof of financial need. It is a renewable scholarship, however, to qualify for renewal you must maintain a GPA of 3.3. For more details, look up www.osfa.mass.edu.

Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant

If you can picture yourself in scrubs, caring for patients in a health care facility, this one is for you! In order to receive this grant you must major in nursing, as well as be able to demonstrate financial need. The award ranges from $200-$2,500, and is intended for use for full-time undergrad study at an accredited 2 or 4-year school. Designated institutions include independent colleges or hospital schools of nursing in the state of Massachusetts. If you would like more information on how to follow up on this great opportunity, check out www.osfa.mass/edu.

New England Board of Higher Education

This unique scholarship is available to students residing in New England who wish to major in a field of study that is not offered at public institutions in their home states. It is intended for use in New England public colleges and universities, and provides out-of-state tuition discounts to facilitate your attendance outside of Massachusetts, if necessary. For more information, please consult the website: www.nebhe.org/tuitionbreak

Massachusetts No Interest Loan

Okay – this one is not a scholarship or a grant, but it still might provide the funds you need to go to college without having interest added to the final amount you have to pay back. It is to be used for full-time undergraduate study at a 2 or 4-year college or university. To qualify, you must be a state resident and be able to prove your need for financial assistance. If you do get a loan, you will have ten years following graduation to repay the amount owed. There is a borrowing limit of $4,000 per year and a limit of total debt to $20,000. To begin, complete the FAFSA application on line (details in ‘note’ on the previous page). Then go to www.osfa.mass.edu for additional information.