Results for: community college

A proposal to create tuition-free, universal community college for all Massachusetts residents is under discussion in the state Senate. The $57.9 billion budget proposal includes $75.5 million for tuition and fees, and a stipend of up to $1,200 for students earning up to 125% of the state’s median income. The plan, dubbed MassEducate, is supported by Senate President Karen Spilka, who says it will increase the state’s workforce and expand opportunities for students. The proposal has yet to be approved by the House and negotiations will be necessary to include it in the final budget. The 15 community colleges in Massachusetts serve over 90,000 students, many of whom balance work and family obligations. Critics warn that the cost of the plan could be difficult to sustain.

Pedro Rentas’ journey from a TikTok cooking sensation to a college graduate is a testament to the success of MassReconnect, a program that provides free community college tuition to Massachusetts residents over 25. The program saw a 44.8% increase in new students over 25 in the past year, with larger increases among Black, Hispanic, and male students. While retention remains a challenge, community colleges such as Northern Essex and Middlesex are committed to providing support and advising to keep students on track to graduation.