Scholarship Opportunity

John and Abigail Adams Scholarship

Offered by Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship is a merit-based Massachusetts tuition scholarship for eligible public high school students whose first-attempt MCAS scores place them among the highest-performing students in their school district. The scholarship provides a tuition credit for undergraduate study at eligible Massachusetts public colleges and universities.

EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelHigh School Senior, College Freshman, College Sophomore, College Junior, College Senior

Application Timeline

Important application dates

This scholarship offers more than one application cycle. Review each window carefully before applying.

Annual Award Cycle

OpensTo Be Announced
DeadlineTo Be Announced

Eligibility

  • Attend a Massachusetts public high school.
  • Meet the applicable John and Abigail Adams Scholarship MCAS performance requirements using first-attempt high school MCAS scores.
  • Have qualifying combined MCAS performance that places the student in the top 25% of students in the applicable school district.
  • Be enrolled in a Massachusetts public high school during senior year.
  • Graduate from a Massachusetts public high school.
  • Meet Massachusetts residency requirements.
  • Be accepted to and enroll full-time at an eligible Massachusetts public college or university.
  • Complete the FAFSA as required to claim and renew the scholarship.
  • Use the scholarship within six years of high school graduation.

Requirements

  • No separate John and Abigail Adams Scholarship application is required.
  • Receive an official scholarship award letter after being identified as eligible.
  • Apply for admission to an eligible Massachusetts public college or university.
  • Complete the FAFSA for the applicable academic year.
  • Enroll full-time in an eligible undergraduate program.
  • Maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative college GPA for continued scholarship eligibility.
  • Complete the FAFSA annually for renewal.
  • Continue meeting applicable institutional and state eligibility requirements.

How to Apply

  1. 1Take the required Massachusetts high school MCAS assessments.
  2. 2Eligible students are identified automatically based on qualifying first-attempt MCAS scores.
  3. 3Students who qualify receive an official award letter during the fall or winter of senior year.
  4. 4Apply to an eligible Massachusetts public college or university.
  5. 5Complete the FAFSA.
  6. 6Submit or present the Adams Scholarship award information to the institution as required.
  7. 7Enroll full-time and maintain continued academic eligibility.