PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) is one of 15 community colleges across the Commonwealth, plus state universities and the University of Massachusetts, that will benefit from a historic financial aid expansion recently approved by Governor Maura Healey's administration. 

 

With close to $62 million in new program funding supporting approximately 25,000 students, the MASSGrant Plus Expansion program will cover tuition, fees, books, and supply costs for Pell Grant-eligible students and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for middle-income students by up to half.   

 

"For so many Massachusetts residents, higher education can be the ticket to their future career and economic stability. Our employers are looking to graduates of Massachusetts' exceptional public colleges to meet their workforce needs, and those graduates are most likely to stay in Massachusetts. But far too many people are held back from pursuing the education of their choice because of high costs," said Governor Healey. "This expansion of MASSGrant Plus will open doors for more students to access higher education, which will strengthen our economy as a whole."   

 

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said, "By making public higher education more affordable, we're helping to grow the next generation of leaders and talents in our state — the folks who will staying here to work, raise their families and build their futures." 

 

For the first time, the state funding will cover the federally determined "expected family contribution" (EFC) and an additional allowance of up to $1,200 for books and supplies.

 

Middle income students — defined as those whose families earn between $73,000 and $100,000 annually in adjusted gross income — will see costs for tuition and mandatory instructional fees reduced by up to half of their out-of-pocket expenses. And, while middle-income students must be enrolled full time to qualify, the MASSGrant Plus expansion will extend financial aid to both full- and part-time Pell Grant-eligible students for the first time. 

 

"Higher education in the Commonwealth has just gotten a major boost, thanks to MASSGrant Plus Expansion funding. At Berkshire Community College, where we prepare the next generation of the workforce in the Berkshires and beyond, we celebrate accessibility for all," said BCC President Ellen Kennedy. "With this historic funding, we can pave the way for more people in our community to enroll at BCC and to finish with a degree or certificate."