The Best Scholarships in Massachusetts

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Did you know that last year 67,914 students graduated from high schools all around Massachusetts?  With that many students graduating, how many do you think actually had scholarships to college or didn’t go at all due to money concerns?  Each year the price of college continues to rise with in-state tuition in Massachusetts, averaging 26,000 a year.  It’s pertinent, now more than ever, that students receive scholarships for their education.

If you were thinking of attending college out of state, the sky is the limit for how much you could be paying.  However, if you are looking to stay put in the Puritan State, we may be able to help you.  This list will provide insight into some of the most notable scholarships available to students in Massachusetts.

The scholarships in this list will be grouped for ease of use, and there is something on this list for everyone.  This includes minorities, high achievers, and more.  All you have to do is keep reading to find the scholarships that will give you the chance to eliminate your student loan debt before it’s incurred.

Looking for scholarships in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.

This post is part of our Ultimate FAQ for Applying to Scholarships.

The Best Scholarships in Massachusetts for High Achieving Students

The Best Scholarships in Massachusetts for High Achieving Students

The Best Scholarships in Massachusetts for High Achieving Students

1. Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship

Description: Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship attempts to enable students to receive a college education without the worry of student loan debt.  Award amounts for this scholarship may range anywhere from $3000 to $17,000 a year.  This award can be renewed up to 4 years as long as the recipient maintains a 2.5 GPA and is still able to demonstrate financial need.

This award is open to high school seniors and returning college students.  Unfortunately, this scholarship cannot be used for graduate-level studies and only for your first bachelor’s degree.  All money is paid directly to your school of choice.  The award is open to permanent residents of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont but can be applied to any school in the United States.

Requirements: There are several criteria that students must meet to be eligible for this scholarship.  This criterion includes the following:

  • Having a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • Be currently enrolled in a rigorous course of study
  • Present skill in writing

Aside from general academic criteria, students should also exhibit a financial need.  The financial criteria are as follows:

  • Your parent’s adjusted gross income must be low to moderate.
  • You should also exhibit excruciating financial hardships.
  • On your FAFSA, you should also have an Expected Family Contribution of less than $10,000.

In addition to this criterion, applicants should also exhibit the following:

  • You must be an incoming freshman or a returning student at an accredited undergraduate program within the United States of America.
  • You must also be a United States Citizen or possess a work permit and non-citizen who has a current lawful presence in the United States.
  • The student must be a current permanent resident of Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, or Rhode Island.
  • Graduate students are not eligible.  You must be seeking a bachelor’s degree. Special circumstances are considered for students in five-year degree programs ending with their masters.

Application: The Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship utilizes an online application process.  The form goes live in January and is available until the beginning of April if you would like to be considered for an Early Response.  Students looking to apply after the April deadline, and current college student applications generally end one month later.  All of the application information can be found on the Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship website here.

2. Paul Tsongas Scholarship

Description: The Paul Tsongas Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that is awarded to Massachusetts based students for their high achievements.  This scholarship can be used at any Massachusetts state university.  Each eligible college provides five new Paul Tsongas scholarships per year.

Requirements: To be eligible to receive the Paul Tsongas scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Eligible students will be legal residents of Massachusetts for one year before their upcoming academic year.
  • Students must currently possess a Grade Point Average of 3.75 and an SAT score of 1200 or the ACT equivalent.
  • The student’s Selective Service Registration must be in obedience with requirements.
  • The student should complete his/her FAFSA before applying.
  • The student financial standings must also be resolved. The student should have no defaulting federal loans.
  • To continuously be eligible for the Paul Tsongas scholarship, the recipient must maintain a 3.3 GPA for all four consecutive years within an undergraduate program.
  • The scholarship can be used at nine universities; these universities include the following:
    • Worcester State University
    • Bridgewater State University
    • Framingham State University
    • Westfield State University
    • Massachusetts Maritime Academy
    • Fitchburg State University
    • Massachusetts College of Art & Design
    • Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
    • Salem State University

Application: You must obtain information about this scholarship, the Massachusetts college, which you plan to attend in the fall.  You may also receive information regarding this scholarship from the DHE’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at the phone number provided (617) 391-6070. More information can be found here.

3. Henry David Thoreau Scholarship

Description: The Henry David Thoreau Foundation rewards young leaders who have been identified as outstanding young leaders from Massachusetts.  These young innovators are committed to the environment for generations to come.

Requirements: To be eligible for receipt of this scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a senior at a Massachusetts based high school, residing in Massachusetts.
  • You must be planning to enroll at a college or university during the year in which the scholarship is granted.
  • Through your tenure in high school, you must have exhibited an exceptional academic track record. You must also have a dedication to an environmental field.

Application: Applications for the Henry David Thoreau scholarship can be found online at the address here.

The Best Scholarships in Massachusetts for Minorities or Underrepresented Groups

The Best Scholarships in Massachusetts for Minorities or Underrepresented Groups

The Best Scholarships in Massachusetts for Minorities or Underrepresented Groups

1. Alexander G. Gray, Jr., Scholarship Award

Description: The Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association provides the Alexander G. Gray, Jr., Scholarship Award.  Each year the association awards at least $3500 to one third or second-year law student.  It can be used to supplement the costs of academic fees like tuition, books, fees, or other academic-related expenses.

Requirements:  To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, you must meet or exceed the following criteria:

  • You must be enrolled in your second or third year of law school. Your school must be within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and you must be in acceptable standing.
  • You must be spending more than $3500 for the cost to attend your college or university. This information must be valid.
  • You must currently be a student Mass. LGBTQ Bar member. If you are not a current member, you must apply through the website to become a student member.  This membership is free of charge.

Application: The application for Alexander G. Gray, Jr., Scholarship Award, can be found online here.  The application must be submitted via email with your short essay question answers.  In addition to this, your resume, law school transcript, and one letter of recommendation must also be submitted.   

2. Massachusetts Federation Of Polish Women’s Clubs

Description: The Mass. Federation of Polish Women’s Club awards a competitive scholarship each year for 2nd through 4th-year undergraduate, qualified residents of Massachusetts.  This award can only be given to the same student one time, there are no repeat recipients, and this scholarship is non-renewable.

Requirements:  To be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • The student must be a U.S citizen of Polish descent.
  • The student must be a permanent and legal resident of the U.S.A. Green cardholders are eligible.
  • The applying student must also be a resident of Massachusetts.
  • Students must show an exemplary educational background by having a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • If there are no qualified applications from Massachusetts, eligible New England residents will be taken into consideration.
  • Though scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, financial need is taken into consideration.

Application: The application and detailed scholarship information can be found here.  Students can apply online; however, a host of other details will need to be submitted as well.  This information includes:

  • Personal Statement Essay
  • A $35 application fee. This fee is non-refundable
  • Proof of Polish Decent
  • A Photo of the themselves
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A copy of their official transcript
  • Curriculum Vitae

3. Dr. Marie E. Zakrzewski Medical Scholarship

Description: The Dr. Marie E. Zakrzewski Medical Scholarship is awarded each year to a female student of Polish descent who is working toward a medical degree at an accredited U.S school of medicine. The student must be full-time during the academic year of its receipt.

Requirements: To be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • The scholarship is awarded only to female residents of Massachusetts.
  • The student must be a U.S citizen of Polish descent. The ancestry must be able to be proven before receipt of the scholarship. Green card holders are eligible.
  • The student must be going into their first, second, or third year of studies for an M.D.
  • Applicants must also possess a GPA of 3.0 or above.

Application: The application and detailed scholarship information can be found here.  Students can apply online; however, a host of other details will need to be submitted as well.  This information includes:

  • Personal Statement Essay
  • A $35 application fee. This fee is non-refundable
  • Proof of Polish Decent
  • A Photo of the themselves
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A copy of their official transcript
  • Curriculum Vitae

The Best Scholarships in Massachusetts for Community Service

The Best Scholarships in Massachusetts for Community Service

The Best Scholarships in Massachusetts for Community Service

1. Helen Hamilton Scholarship Fund/ Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts

Description: The Helen Hamilton Scholarship Fund is a scholarship aimed at students pursuing a degree in housing studies, social services, urban design, and other related fields, which can be found on the Scholarship application. Important precedence is given to students who have demonstrated a love and commitment to community service.

Requirements: Students applying for this scholarship must demonstrate an exemplary history of community involvement. 

Application: The application used for the Helen Hamilton Scholarship is the general scholarship application presented by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. Upon completion of the application, they will not only be eligible for the Helen Hamilton scholarship but over 100 others.  Once a student’s application is completed, the CFWM will determine all of the scholarships which they are eligible for.  The application can be found here.

The Best In-State Scholarships and Grants for Massachusetts Colleges

The Best In-State Scholarships and Grants for Massachusetts Colleges

The Best In-State Scholarships and Grants for Massachusetts Colleges

1. Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program

Description: The Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program is funded by a Pilot initiative that is geared at providing financial assistance to early childhood and out of school time educators.  This award is for students aiming to enroll in a degree-granting program for Early Childhood Education or related programs.  Award amounts vary by school type with a maximum award amount of $4500 per semester. The scholarship can only be used at select schools within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Requirements: To be eligible for the Early Childhood Educators Scholarship, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • The applying student must be a Massachusetts resident as well as a U.S citizen. The student should also be a non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations.
  • You should have filled out the Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA).
  • The applicable student must not have any delinquent student loans or owe any amount towards previous financial aid.
  • The student should be in one of the following degree programs: Early Childhood Education, Child and Family Studies, Child Care Administration, Child Development, Child Guidance, Child Psychology, Family Studies, and Human Services is an eligible degree when it includes an Early Childhood concentration in the major.
  • The student should not have received a degree equivalent to that of a bachelor’s degree.
  • Potential scholarship recipients must sign a waiver stating that if they no longer continue employment as an early childhood provider or educator in Massachusetts after completion of their degree, they will repay all money received.

Application: To apply for this scholarship, visit the link here.  Students will need not only to complete their Federal Financial Aid Application (FAFSA); they must also complete the MASSAid ECE Scholarship application and create a student profile. Students must also possess an active ECE Professional Qualifications Registry Number.

2. FMC Ice Sports Skaters Scholarship

Description: The FMC Ice Sports Skaters Scholarship was first awarded in 1993 and has continued to provide financial aid to ice skaters and other ice sports participants.   These ice sports include figure skating, ice hockey, and even recreational skating.  Scholarships are awarded in June of each year.

Requirements: To be eligible for receipt of this scholarship, students must be New England residents who use the FMC arenas.  The should be student-athletes in the ice sports arena.

Application: Students can apply online here or using the paper application here.  With the form, students must provide the following information:

  • Students should submit a resume focusing on the last four years. This resume should include information regarding the student’s ice sports background, any extracurricular, employment history, community service, as well as any honors or awards.
  • Students will need to provide a 500-word essay on the topic of the FMC’s choosing (See application for prompt).
  • Applications must include a letter of recommendation from a teacher or coach.
  • Completed applications should also include SAT scores and official high school transcripts.

3. Red Pine Scholars Program

Description: The Red Pine Scholars Program aims to make college more affordable to families who otherwise could not send their children comfortably to school.  The program is open to students who have demonstrated academic excellence and are planning to attend a competitive university as a freshman.  Students in the program are awarded up to $20.000 each year.  Students also receive mentoring and enrichment opportunities.

Requirements: To be eligible for the Red Pine Scholars Program Students must meet the following eligibility:

  • All students must be U.S. citizens. Non-citizens who are eligible to receive federal financial aid will also be accepted. The program will also consider DACA students. However, to be eligible, they must have submitted a completed FAFSA.
  • The application must also be a permanent Massachusetts resident.
  • Students must also be able to produce proof of financial hardship and have an adjusted gross family income, which is less than $80,000.
  • Students must also present a copy of your college award letter proving that there is at least a $5000 unmet financial need. It is okay if this is not known or had at the time of application submittal.
  • The applicant must be a senior at a Massachusetts high school enrolling as a full-time college student in the fall in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.
  • Evidence of a strong academic background and demanding coursework must also be presented as well as a track record of school, community, and work involvement.

Application: Applications can be found online here. Required documents and recommendations must also be submitted with the student’s application.

Wrapping Up the Best Scholarships in Massachusetts

Overall, there are several scholarships available to students in Massachusetts, which should not be overlooked.  Receiving one of the awards on this list could have a significant impact on your educational and financial future.

Go back through the list and apply for all the scholarships which you are eligible for; there is no harm in trying.  We hope that your transcript is impressive, and your essay writing hand is strong; you will definitively need it.  Happy Hunting!

Applying to schools in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.

Also, if you need go-to places for scholarships, you’ll want to read our post on the top scholarship sites to use here.

> The Best Scholarships in New York

> The Best Scholarships in New Jersey

> The Best Scholarships in Connecticut

> The Best Scholarships in Pennsylvania

Professor Conquer
Professor Conquer

Professor Conquer started Conquer Your Exam in 2018 to help students feel more confident and better prepared for their tough tests. Prof excelled in high school, graduating top of his class and receiving admissions into several Ivy League and top 15 schools. He has helped many students through the years tutoring and mentoring K-12, consulting seniors through the college admissions process, and writing extensive how-to guides for school.

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