Best College & Education in Massachusetts — 18 resources

About College & Education

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

18 Resources

1. Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance — Free

State office administering Massachusetts financial aid programs including MASSGrant, MASSGrant Plus, Gilbert Matching Student Grant, and other need-based aid for MA residents attending participating schools. Aid is awarded after students file the FAFSA and the MA state aid application. Amounts vary by income and cost of attendance. Apply through your school's financial aid office; check eligibility at mass.edu/osfa. Use FAFSA school code lookup to ensure aid flows correctly.

617-391-6070 · One Ashburton Pl, Room 1401, Boston, MA 02108 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. MassReconnect — Free

Free community college program for Massachusetts residents ages 25 and older who do not already have a college degree. Covers tuition, mandatory fees, and provides support for books, supplies, and transportation at any of the 15 MA community colleges. Apply through any MA community college's admissions and financial aid office; file the FAFSA and complete the MassReconnect application. Bring photo ID, proof of MA residency, and high school transcript or GED when enrolling.

617-391-6070 · Apply at any MA community college · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Federal Student Aid / FAFSA — Free

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the first step for Pell Grants, federal direct loans, work-study, and most state and institutional aid for Massachusetts students. File online at studentaid.gov; dependents need a parent co-signer and parent tax info. Have Social Security numbers, tax returns, W-2s, bank statements, and a list of schools ready. The FAFSA is free; never pay a third-party to file it.

1-800-433-3243 · Online resource · Phone Mon-Fri 8am-11pm ET; online 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Federal Pell Grant Program — Free

Largest federal grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need attending a participating college or trade school. Maximum award up to $7,395 per year (award year dependent) with no repayment required. Massachusetts students automatically considered by filing the FAFSA; amount depends on expected family contribution, cost of attendance, and enrollment intensity. Award is disbursed by the school, usually in two semester payments.

1-800-433-3243 · Apply via FAFSA · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Bunker Hill Community College (Boston)

Boston's community college offering affordable associate degrees, workforce certificates, and non-credit workforce training with strong support for adult learners, working parents, first-generation students, and English learners. Accepts MassReconnect and MassGrant+. Campuses in Charlestown and Chelsea with online and evening options. Apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and complete FAFSA for financial aid. Free placement testing and advising.

617-228-2000 · 250 New Rutherford Ave, Boston, MA 02129 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Quinsigamond Community College (Worcester)

Central Massachusetts community college offering 60+ associate degree and certificate programs with flexible scheduling for working adults, including evening, weekend, and online classes. Accepts MassReconnect, MassGrant+, Pell, and other financial aid. Main campus in Worcester with additional locations in Southbridge. Apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and complete FAFSA for financial aid. Free placement testing and advising.

508-853-2300 · 670 West Boylston St, Worcester, MA 01606 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Springfield Technical Community College

Western Massachusetts community college in the heart of Springfield offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce programs in health sciences, business, engineering technology, and liberal arts. Accepts MassReconnect, MassGrant+, Pell, and other financial aid for adult learners. Apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and complete FAFSA for financial aid. Free placement testing and advising; dedicated veterans services on campus.

413-781-7822 · 1 Armory Sq, Springfield, MA 01102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Massachusetts Adult Education / GED — Free

Free adult education programs across Massachusetts funded through the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education helping adults earn their GED/HiSET, improve literacy, learn English (ESOL), and prepare for college or careers. Find the nearest program through the ACLS website by town or county. Most programs are free for MA residents and offer daytime, evening, and online options. Bring photo ID at enrollment; income eligibility may apply at some sites.

Programs statewide · Varies; many offer evening classes · Visit Website

9. MassHire Career Centers - Education & Training — Free

Statewide MassHire workforce system operating 29 career centers offering free career counseling, skills assessments, Individual Training Account (ITA) vouchers for approved training programs, and education planning for job seekers and workers upgrading skills. Find the nearest MassHire career center by ZIP code on the website. Walk in or schedule an appointment; bring photo ID, resume, and proof of work-authorization documents when enrolling in training.

29 MassHire career centers statewide · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Middlesex Community College (Lowell/Bedford)

Community college serving the Merrimack Valley and MetroWest with affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training at Lowell and Bedford campuses plus online options. Accepts MassReconnect, MassGrant+, Pell, and other financial aid. Strong offerings in health sciences, business, liberal arts, and public service. Apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and complete FAFSA for financial aid. Free placement testing and advising.

978-656-3000 · 33 Kearney Sq, Lowell, MA 01852 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Bristol Community College (Fall River)

Southeastern Massachusetts community college serving Fall River, New Bedford, Attleboro, and Taunton with affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training at four campuses. Accepts MassReconnect, MassGrant+, Pell, and other financial aid for adult learners. Strong offerings in nursing, allied health, engineering, and liberal arts. Apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and complete FAFSA for financial aid.

508-678-2811 · 777 Elsbree St, Fall River, MA 02720 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Massasoit Community College (Brockton)

South Shore community college offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce programs at Brockton and Canton campuses plus online options. Accepts MassReconnect, MassGrant+, Pell, and other financial aid for adult learners. Strong offerings in nursing, allied health, business, and liberal arts. Apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and complete FAFSA for financial aid. Free placement testing and advising; dedicated veterans services.

508-588-9100 · 1 Massasoit Blvd, Brockton, MA 02302 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Holyoke Community College

Pioneer Valley community college in Holyoke offering affordable associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education for adult learners in western Massachusetts, with satellite sites in Ludlow and online options. Accepts MassReconnect, MassGrant+, Pell, and other financial aid. Strong offerings in business, health sciences, culinary arts, and liberal arts. Apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and complete FAFSA for financial aid.

413-538-7000 · 303 Homestead Ave, Holyoke, MA 01040 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Roxbury Community College (Boston)

Boston community college in Roxbury offering affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce programs with strong support services for first-generation, nontraditional, and adult learners. Accepts MassReconnect, MassGrant+, Pell, and other financial aid. Strong offerings in nursing, biotechnology, business, and liberal arts. Apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and complete FAFSA for financial aid. Free placement testing and advising.

617-427-0060 · 1234 Columbus Ave, Roxbury, MA 02120 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. UMass Amherst - University Without Walls

Online and distance learning bachelor's degree program through UMass Amherst designed for working adults (typically 22+) returning to finish a degree. Flexible scheduling, transfer credit for prior learning, and individualized concentrations. Accepts federal aid, MassGrant+, and employer tuition benefits. Apply online; bring photo ID, prior college transcripts, and complete the FAFSA for financial aid. Advisors help evaluate prior credits and design a degree plan.

413-545-1000 · Online/Amherst, MA 01003 · Online 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Scholarship Search - Massachusetts — Free

State-specific scholarship information through the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance website, including the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship, Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant, and other MA-specific programs. Eligibility depends on academic achievement, financial need, and program; most awards require FAFSA on file. Students usually apply through their high school or college financial aid office.

617-391-6070 · Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

17. Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) — Free

State-chartered nonprofit helping Massachusetts families plan, save, and pay for college with U.Fund 529 savings plans, U.Plan prepaid tuition, MEFA student loans, and free college planning resources including virtual and in-person workshops. Free educational services; loan rates and fees are disclosed on the website. Call or visit the website to use college calculators, attend free webinars, and explore financial aid guidance for MA families.

1-800-449-6332 · 160 Federal St, 16th Floor, Boston, MA 02110 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

18. GED Testing Service - Massachusetts Centers

Official GED test centers across Massachusetts where adults can take the high school equivalency exam at authorized Pearson VUE locations. GED consists of four subject tests (math, science, social studies, and reasoning through language arts). Register and schedule at ged.com; per-subject fees apply (some MA adult education programs may offer vouchers). Bring photo ID and arrive 15 minutes early. Alternatives include the HiSET, also offered in MA.

Multiple MA testing centers · By appointment · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many college & education resources are in Massachusetts?
Men's Corner tracks 18 college & education resources for men and fathers in Massachusetts.
Are college & education resources in Massachusetts free?
8 of the 18 listed college & education resources in Massachusetts are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Massachusetts have college & education resources?
Listings span cities including Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, Fall River, Brockton.
What are some examples of college & education resources in Massachusetts?
Featured entries include Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance, MassReconnect, Federal Student Aid / FAFSA, Federal Pell Grant Program, Bunker Hill Community College (Boston).
Do these listings include phone numbers?
15 of 18 Massachusetts college & education listings include phone numbers.
What do I do first if I want to go back to school?
Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?
Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?
Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.