BOSTON – UMass Boston is relieving the burden of student debt for low-income families by offering free tuition for those students who live in the state and financially qualify.
Family income under $75,000
“UMass Boston wants this to be perfectly clear, the most important word today to communicate is free,” said UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco, “It is about clearing the pathways to meaningful career choices and workforce opportunities without the terrible burden of debt. The best and brightest students in the Commonwealth from all backgrounds should have access to it.”
Any Massachusetts student whose family makes an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000 is eligible to apply. The school is using state, federal, and university funds to pull this off. They are aided by the state’s investment in what they call the Mass Grant Plus program and its extension.
“Mass Grant Plus is making all our state, public colleges and universities tuition and fee free for qualified low-income students, and dramatically reduce cost for middle income families,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll.
“Alleviates that burden”
Abdul Shabayita is a third-year student at UMass Boston. He said free tuition allows him to study his passion which is sociology. After college he is set up to succeed.
“To know it’s not going to rent. I want to buy a house because I am not paying off any debt,” explained Shabayita, “I am not worrying about student loans. I am worrying about paying off my assets, things I can gain.”
Isabella Pino is a senior at UMass Boston who is taking her free tuition and saving money toward her masters.
“Just alleviates that burden that you can always think of can I afford this? Can I afford that? Can I enjoy my time here or not?,” explained Pino, “They are going to explore more of themselves on campus, not just getting a degree, and getting out of here, but being able to enjoy their time here.”
It’s also allowing students to pursue internships and jobs in their field instead of doing multiple jobs to afford going at all.
