Scholarship Opportunity

Massachusetts Public Service Grant

Offered by Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

The Massachusetts Public Service Grant provides educational assistance to eligible students who have experienced the loss of a parent or spouse in qualifying public service or military circumstances. Unlike most state grant programs, eligibility is based on entitlement rather than demonstrated financial need.

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.

2026–2027 First-Time Applicant Cycle

OpensTo Be Announced
DeadlineMay 1, 2027

Eligibility

  • Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year as of the start of the enrolled term, with an intent to remain in Massachusetts consistent with Board of Higher Education policy.
  • Meet applicable citizenship or Massachusetts state financial aid eligibility requirements.
  • Complete the FAFSA or an equivalent financial aid application authorized by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.
  • Enroll full-time in at least 12 credits or the equivalent in an eligible certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree program.
  • Attend an eligible Massachusetts public or independent college or university.
  • Not have previously earned a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
  • Not be in default on applicable federal or state student loans or owe a refund for previously received financial aid.
  • Be the child or widowed spouse of a Massachusetts police officer, firefighter, or corrections officer who was killed or died from injuries received while performing official duties, including authorized training duty.
  • Or be the child of a Prisoner of War or military or service person missing in action in Southeast Asia whose qualifying wartime service was credited to Massachusetts.
  • Or be the child of a veteran whose service was credited to Massachusetts and who was killed in action or died as a result of that service.

Requirements

  • Complete the Massachusetts Public Service Grant application.
  • Complete the FAFSA or Massachusetts-authorized equivalent financial aid application.
  • Provide documentation establishing the qualifying public service or military circumstance.
  • Children or widowed spouses of qualifying police officers, firefighters, or corrections officers must provide the required Massachusetts Retirement Board certification.
  • Provide a birth certificate when applying as an eligible child.
  • Provide a marriage certificate when applying as an eligible widowed spouse.
  • Applicants qualifying through a veteran may be required to provide the veteran's death certificate.
  • Applicants qualifying through military service may be required to provide a DD-214 showing service credited to Massachusetts.
  • Provide documentation showing that the veteran's death was service-connected when applicable.
  • Submit the application and required supporting documentation to the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance.

How to Apply

  1. 1Determine which Public Service Grant eligibility category applies to you.
  2. 2Complete the 2026–2027 first-time applicant Public Service Grant application.
  3. 3Complete the FAFSA or Massachusetts-authorized equivalent financial aid application.
  4. 4Gather the documentation required for your specific eligibility category.
  5. 5Attach all required relationship, public service, military, death, or service-connected documentation.
  6. 6Submit the completed application and supporting documentation to the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance by May 1, 2027.
  7. 7If you receive the grant, obtain and complete a renewal application for each subsequent year.