Free College at 4Cs

Go to Cape Cod Community College for Free!

Applications for the Spring 2025 semester, starting in January, are now being accepted!

No matter your age or income: if you live in Massachusetts and don’t have a Bachelor’s degree, you can attend 4Cs for free thanks to the MassReconnect and MassEducate programs.

No tuition. No fees. Every degree and certificate 4Cs offers is eligible.

Have prior credits from another college? Returning to 4Cs after some time away? Starting fresh as a first-time college student? We’ve got your back to start your chapter off right!

How to Get Started

The first two things you need to do are Apply to 4Cs and complete the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Application to the College is free and completion of the FAFSA is a required step to get and maintain free College.

We're here to help you every step of the way! If you have questions or need assistance with your application or program selection, reach out to our Admissions Team at [email protected].

student in class
Apply to 4Cs

14 and 7-week classes start every September and January. We also have 7-week “Quick Term” courses that start every October and March to optimize your schedule. Your academic advisor will help you pick the courses right for you!
student typing on laptop
Complete the FAFSA

To be eligible, complete the FAFSA, the free online financial aid application. Our team is here to assist you if need it!
drone shot of campus
Get Ready to Register

Once accepted and started the FAFSA, prepare for class selection. To qualify, register for at least 6-credits (usually 2 classes) in your degree or certificate program.

Eligibility

To be eligible to enroll at Cape Cod Community College for free, you must:

  • Not have a previous Bachelor’s degree.
  • Have physically resided in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of your first enrolled term.
  • Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent.

How to Receive and Keep Free College Status

  • Enroll in at least 6-credits (two classes) per semester in an approved Associate degree or certificate program.
  • Have a completed FAFSA on-file EVERY year. Financial Aid is the foundation of free College, which means you have to do the FAFSA every year to keep eligibility. 
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress. This means you have to keep those 6-credits EVERY semester and not drop classes! Going below 6-credits and/or dropping classes can impact your financial aid, which means you could make yourself ineligible and receive a bill...so don't do that!

We’ll Help With the Rest!

After you apply to and complete your financial aid, our Enrollment Team will help you plan your semester, register for classes, and answer any and all questions you might have about going to college and how to keep your free College status.

Support Systems for Your Success

We understand that going to college can feel overwhelming, but don't worry – at 4Cs, we have a range of support systems in place to help you thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Student working on a craft project
Student Wellness Office

Our fully staffed Student Wellness Office is here to support your mental health and connect you with essential services such as food, housing, and achieving a healthy school-life balance.
coaches and mentors
Credit for Prior Learning

If you have prior work or life experiences, we'll collaborate with you to translate them into real college credits, accelerating your educational journey.
Students in a classroom setting
Disability Services

The O’Neill Center for Student Access and Support works one-on-one with students to provide personalized accommodations and services, ensuring an inclusive and accessible learning environment.

Explore Our Campus and Discover the Possibilities

Still contemplating whether 4Cs is the right fit for you? We invite you to register for a campus visit, allowing you to experience firsthand the vibrant atmosphere and wide range of opportunities that await you at 4Cs.

Register to visit campus

Students walking on campus

FAQ

MassEducate and MassReconnect allow Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend any of the state’s 15 community colleges and pay no tuition or fees. Both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for certain students.  

MassEducate MassReconnect

For any student with no previously earned bachelor’s degree.

 For students 25 and older with no previously earned associate or bachelor’s degree.

Covers all course-related tuition and fees for eligible courses.

 Covers all course-related tuition and fees for eligible courses.

Provides an allowance of up to $1200 per academic year towards books, supplies, and other expenses, based on household income.* 

 Provides an allowance of up to $600 per semester towards books and supplies, regardless of household income.* 

*Actual allowance amount varies by enrollment. 

These programs are available to students who:

  • Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the enrolled term.
  • Are either: 
    • A U.S. Citizen, permanent legal resident, or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations, or
    • An approved “High School Completer” per the Massachusetts tuition equity law.
  • Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent**.
  • Are enrolled in at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the college's requirements.

Eligibility for books and supply allowances may differ between programs.

**Early college high school and dual enrollment students are eligible only after high school at this time.

All students must complete the current FAFSA or MASFA to be considered eligible for these programs. For the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 semesters, students must complete the 2024-2025 form; a new financial aid application must be submitted each academic year for continued funding. 

Complete the FAFSA and your enrollment steps at 4Cs, and we’ll take it from there! All residents of Massachusetts who meet the above eligibility criteria have access to tuition- and fee-free community college. 

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

2. Apply to 4Cs and enroll in an approved program of study. 4Cs accepts applications throughout the year and there is never an application fee. 

Contact Us - We're Here to Help!

Admissions Office

Location: Nickerson Administration Building, Ground Floor
Office Hours: On-Campus: Monday-Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm
Text or Call: 774.330.4311
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: 508.375.4089

Don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly Admissions team for any questions or assistance you need. We look forward to hearing from you!