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Scholarships
Massachusetts scholarships: What you need to know
Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Scholarships for Massachusetts
6 days left!
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Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 3/31/26
$2,000
ASM Global Stars Scholarship Program
Due: 3/25/26
$2,500
As the world's leading venue management company and producer of live event experiences, ASM Global is offering the ASM Global Stars Scholarship Program, which reflects the commitment to providing diverse and under-resourced communities with educational and career development opportunities through scholarship awards and prospective internships. Applicants must self-identify as one or more of the following: Female (any race/ethnicity), Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, or Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. Applicants must also be high school seniors or graduates, or current undergraduate students residing in the United States. They must be pursuing a degree in either Business/International Business (Marketing, Information Systems, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources); Hospitality, Entertainment, Sports Management; Communications, Public Relations, Digital Media; Information Technology; or Graphic Design. Applicants must also reside within 25 miles in one of the eligible cities. Two will be granted to students who reside or attend a school in Kent County, Michigan; and two awards will be granted to students who reside within 25 miles of New Orleans, LA. If qualified applications are received, preference will be given to applicants who are first-generation college students. Employees of ASM Global, ASM Global Acts Foundation, or their affiliates, and children of those employees, are not eligible. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
6 days left!
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United Personnel Future Scholars Fund
Due: 3/31/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$3,000
The United Personnel Future Scholars Fund will be awarded to residents of Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield, Westfield or Pittsfield; with preference given to those who are first generation college students. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for more information.
6 days left!
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John M. Flynn Family Scholarship Fund
Due: 3/31/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$3,000
The John M. Flynn Family Scholarship Fund will be awarded to high school graduates living in the city of Hampden or East Longmeadow at the time of their graduation from high school; preference will be given to students who have demonstrated involvement in public service. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for more information.
6 days left!
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Edward A. and Shirley B. Livi Scholarship Fund
Due: 3/31/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$3,000
The Edward A. and Shirley B. Livi Scholarship Fund will be awarded to residents of eligible counties who are pursuing fine or performing arts beyond their freshman year. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for more information.
6 days left!
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Connie Celeste Sherman Memorial Scholarship Fund
Due: 3/31/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$3,000
The Connie Celeste Sherman Memorial Scholarship Fund will be awarded to students from Hampden County. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for more information.
6 days left!
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Louis W. and Mary S. Doherty Scholarship Fund
Due: 3/31/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$3,000
The Louis W. and Mary S. Doherty Scholarship Fund will be awarded to residents of Hampden County. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for more information.
6 days left!
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Virginillo-Falvo Scholarship Fund
Due: 3/31/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$3,000
The Virginillo-Falvo Scholarship Fund will support low-income youth of western Massachusetts to attend college. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for more information.
6 days left!
Apply now
Vincent S. and Jane A. Korzeniowski Memorial Scholarship Fund
Due: 3/31/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$3,000
The Vincent S. and Jane A. Korzeniowski Memorial Scholarship Fund will be awarded to residents of Chicopee. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for more information.
6 days left!
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Frank W. Jendrysik Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund
Due: 3/31/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$3,000
The Frank W. Jendrysik Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund will be awarded to residents of Chicopee, Holyoke and Springfield. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for more information.
What to know about Massachusetts scholarships
- Massachusetts scholarships are free money for school. They can help Massachusetts students pay for tuition, books, and other education expenses, and you don't have to pay the money back.
- Scholarships go beyond freshman year. There are scholarships for high school seniors, current college students, transfer students, grad students and adults returning to school.
- Multiple awards can be combined. Scholarships from your school and private organizations can stack up to reduce your total college costs.
- They're not just for athletes and straight-A students. Some Massachusetts scholarships are merit-based, but many others consider leadership, community service, identity, financial need, major, or career goals.
- Applying regularly can really add up. Submitting a few scholarship applications every month can snowball into meaningful savings on your college bill.
Paying for college can feel overwhelming. That's why maximizing free money you don't have to pay back—like scholarships and grants—should be part of your funding plan. If you live in Massachusetts, you have access to Massachusetts scholarships created specifically with Massachusetts students in mind.
The time you spend applying for Massachusetts scholarships can make a big difference. Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 found that 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible. Whether you are in high school, already in college, or heading back to the classroom after time away, scholarships can help you reduce what you pay out of pocket or borrow.
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What are Massachusetts scholarships?
Massachusetts scholarships are financial awards designed to help students cover the cost of college, graduate school, or career training programs. These awards can come from many different places, including colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, local foundations, and employers.
Unlike student loans, scholarship funds do not need to be repaid. While some awards do look at test scores or grades, many Mass. scholarships focus on your story and experiences, such as:
- Community service, leadership, or extracurricular involvement
- Your intended major, field of study, or career interests
- Massachusetts residency or a particular city, county, or region
- Identity-based criteria or connection to a specific community
- Career and technical education or workforce training pathways
- Artistic, athletic, or technical talents
Because eligibility can vary so much from one program to the next, students with many different backgrounds and goals can find scholarships that fit.
What scholarships are available for Massachusetts students?
Most students see the best results when they apply to more than one type of scholarship at once. In Massachusetts, scholarships generally fall into three broad groups: awards from colleges, local and community-based scholarships, and private or employer-sponsored programs.
To explore options that match your background, interests, and goals, you can use tools like Scholly Scholarships to find opportunities in the Commonwealth and across the country.
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship
The John & Abigail Adams Scholarship is a Massachusetts merit-based award connected to academic achievement. Eligibility and award details can depend on how the state defines qualifying performance and enrollment requirements, so students should confirm current criteria and how the award applies at their chosen institution.
Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship
The Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship recognizes strong academic performance and typically has specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. Because timelines and rules can vary, review the current application process and make sure you meet any residency and enrollment conditions.
Paul Tsongas Scholarship
The Paul Tsongas Scholarship is a Massachusetts scholarship option that may be tied to academic performance and in-state enrollment requirements. If you’re interested, confirm eligibility early, complete any required steps, and keep documentation ready in case your school requests verification.
Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship
The Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship is designed to support students in fields that are considered high-need or high-demand. Because eligible majors and requirements can shift, students should check current guidance and confirm whether their program of study qualifies.
Local and community scholarships in Massachusetts
Local scholarships are sometimes less competitive because they draw from a smaller pool of applicants. These awards are typically created to support students from particular Massachusetts cities, counties, school districts, or regions.
Local scholarships may be offered by:
- Community and regional foundations
- City or county agencies and organizations
- Cultural, heritage, or civic groups
- Labor unions and professional associations
- Local employers and small businesses
Institutional scholarships from Massachusetts colleges
Many Massachusetts colleges automatically review applicants for institutional scholarships as part of the admission process, while others require a separate application. These awards may be based on academics, major, leadership, or other factors like talent or special involvement.
Students attending institutions such as University of Massachusetts - Amherst, Boston University, Framingham State University, or Bunker Hill Community College may qualify for institutional scholarships through their financial aid offices. Some awards are automatic with admission, while others require a separate scholarship application.
Examples include:
- Massachusetts public universities: University-wide and departmental scholarships for new and continuing students
- Regional and state universities: Merit-based, need-based, and program-specific awards
- Massachusetts community colleges: Foundation scholarships, donor-funded awards, and program-based support
- Private colleges: Institutional merit scholarships that may significantly lower published tuition
Still exploring your options? You can compare programs, costs, and average financial aid packages with Scout College Search.
Additional financial aid resources in Massachusetts
Alongside Massachusetts scholarships, there are state programs that function as grants or tuition support rather than traditional scholarships.
MASSGrant and MASSGrant Plus
MASSGrant and MASSGrant Plus are need-based state grant programs that can help eligible Massachusetts residents pay for college. Because these programs often depend on enrollment and information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), students should file early and pay attention to state and school priority deadlines.
Scholly Scholarships
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Find scholarships that are right for you
Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.
Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
How to apply for Massachusetts scholarships
Breaking the process into smaller pieces can make applying for scholarships feel more manageable.
- Pull together key documents early, such as your transcript, activity list, resume, and a basic personal statement.
- Make a list of scholarships that fit your background, major, and goals, focusing on both statewide and local programs.
- Work through a few applications at a time so the process stays consistent but not overwhelming.
- Submit the FAFSA® so you can be considered for need-based scholarships, grants, and other aid.
- Use a calendar, spreadsheet, or checklist to keep track of application requirements and deadlines.
- Read instructions carefully and double-check your application before you hit submit.
Looking for a faster way to get started? With Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, you can use a single application to apply to several scholarships at once, with new opportunities open every month.
Eligibility requirements for Massachusetts scholarships
Each program sets its own rules, but many Massachusetts scholarships share some common eligibility requirements, such as:
- Proof of Massachusetts residency (for certain state and community-based programs)
- Enrollment or planned enrollment at an eligible Massachusetts college, university, or training program
- Minimum GPA or academic progress standards for merit-based awards
- Specific major, concentration, or career pathway
- Demonstrated financial need (for need-based scholarships and grants)
- Documented community service, leadership, or extracurricular involvement
How do I improve my chances of winning scholarships?
- Mix large and small scholarships.
Big awards are appealing, but smaller scholarships often receive fewer applications, and several smaller wins can add up. - Tune your scholarship essays to each opportunity.
Reusing core stories is fine — just tailor your essay so it clearly connects to the scholarship’s mission and values. - Request letters of recommendation early.
Giving teachers, counselors, or supervisors more time usually leads to stronger, more detailed letters. - Showcase your impact.
Highlight long-term involvement, leadership roles, and specific ways you have contributed to your school or community. - Complete the FAFSA® as soon as you can.
Some forms of state and institutional aid are limited and may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
More scholarship resources
Massachusetts students can use these resources to locate scholarships that align with their major, experiences, and long-term plans.
- Scholarships by major
See scholarship options connected to your intended field of study. - Scholarships for high school seniors
Ideal if you are planning for college during your senior year of high school. - Scholarships for college students
Scholarship opportunities continue after freshman year — explore options for current undergraduates. - Scholarships for first-generation students
If you are the first in your family to attend college, these awards are designed with you in mind. - Scholarships for adults and returning learners
Find support if you are going back to school later in life or finishing a degree. - Scholarships for women
Explore scholarships that support women across a variety of majors and career paths. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
Discover scholarships that support students who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are allies. - STEM scholarships
Funding options for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees. - Scholarships for graduate students
Learn about scholarships that can help reduce the cost of master’s, PhD, or professional programs. - Scholarships for minority students
Scholarship programs supporting students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. - Scholarships for Native American students
Opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.
Your next steps
Massachusetts scholarships can play a major role in making college, grad school, or career training more affordable. By combining state programs, institutional aid, local awards, and private scholarships — and by applying on a regular basis — you can lower how much you need to spend out of pocket or borrow.
To keep your search moving, look at monthly opportunities like Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, our $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, and $5,000 No Essay Grad School Scholarship. These low-effort options can help you start applying, even if you are short on time.
To explore scholarships tailored to your state, background, and interests, search using Scholly Scholarships.
FAQs about Massachusetts scholarships
What scholarships are available for Massachusetts students?
Massachusetts students can look into state-administered programs like the John & Abigail Adams Scholarship, Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship, and the Paul Tsongas Scholarship, along with institutional and local community awards. You can also search for Massachusetts scholarships using Scholly Scholarships.
How does MASSGrant (and MASSGrant Plus) work?
MASSGrant and MASSGrant Plus are need-based state grant programs that often use information from the FAFSA® and your enrollment status to determine eligibility and award amounts. File early and watch priority deadlines.
What is the John & Abigail Adams Scholarship?
It’s a Massachusetts merit-based scholarship connected to qualifying academic performance. Students should confirm current criteria and how the award applies at the college they plan to attend.
How do I qualify for the Paul Tsongas Scholarship?
Eligibility depends on current state rules and may relate to academic performance and in-state enrollment requirements. Review the latest guidance and confirm with your school if you have questions.
Do Massachusetts community colleges offer scholarships?
Yes. Many Massachusetts community colleges offer foundation and donor-funded scholarships, and students may also be eligible for local community awards that can stack with other aid.
Are there Massachusetts scholarships based on major?
Yes. Some state and private programs prioritize high-demand fields, and many colleges offer department scholarships tied to your major and academic plan.
How do I maximize my chances?
Apply to a mix of large and small scholarships, tailor essays, request recommendations early, and complete the FAFSA® to unlock need-based aid.
Are small scholarships worth it?
Yes. Multiple smaller awards can add up, and they often have smaller applicant pools than large statewide scholarships.
When are most Massachusetts scholarship deadlines?
Deadlines vary widely. Many programs open in the fall and close in winter or spring for the following academic year, while local scholarships may run year-round. Track dates using the scholarship deadlines guide.
Can I combine Massachusetts scholarships with institutional aid?
Sometimes. Stacking depends on each scholarship’s rules and your school’s aid policies, so confirm with your financial aid office before you accept outside awards.
Are there easy scholarships Massachusetts students can apply for?
Some scholarships have shorter applications or fewer requirements. You can also look at options like Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships to apply to multiple opportunities with one streamlined application.
Can adult learners in New York apply for scholarships?
Yes. Returning students and adult learners can find scholarships through colleges, employers, community organizations, and some broader scholarship databases.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.
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