In November 2024, Section 1A of Chapter 69 of the General Laws was amended by adding language stating that the commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall require each school district to:
- notify students, prior to graduating from high school, of the availability of the free application for federal student aid, known as the FAFSA;
- provide students with information on federal and state financial aid options for postsecondary education; and
- provide students with instructions for completing state and federal financial aid applications.
Haverhill Public Schools provides guidance on distributing FAFSA information and informing families about all options for financial aid for high school students’ postsecondary education in a variety of ways:
- Middle School counseling lessons
- High School counseling lessons /workshops
- Naviance Curriculum
- Junior Parent Night
- Senior Parent Night
- Annual Journey to FAFSA event
- Annual Post Secondary Expo/Job Fair at HHS
- Updates/information in the Counseling Connection Newsletter
- Individual sessions with counselors for FAFSA completion
- Resources for advising, particularly Northern Essex Community College
Haverhill Public Schools and DESE, in partnership with the Executive Office of Education and the Department of Higher Education, is working to increase the number of students taking advantage of affordable opportunities for post-secondary education.
FAFSA Introduction letters for students & families:
English, Cape Verdean Creole, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Any student who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs, including free community college here in Massachusetts, should fill out the FAFSA. Some students who are not eligible for federal aid might be eligible for state aid by completing the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA).
Institutions of higher education award millions of dollars in federal, state, and institutional financial aid each year to eligible students. Financial aid can be used to pay for tuition, fees, books, transportation, room and board, and other educational expenses. Many students, however, miss out because they don’t think they are eligible and don’t complete the FAFSA.
It takes most people approximately 30 minutes to gather any needed personal documents and financial information and fill out the FAFSA. Students or families who have questions about the form can inquire with their student’s school counselor or find help through the state’s FAFSA assistance page.
Financial Aid Options
Students and their families have access to many federal and state financial aid options. Massachusetts has about $400 million in state financial aid programs, and the Department of Higher Education’s website details a substantial number of state opportunities.
- Federal Financial Aid
Federal financial aid includes possible access to grants, work-study,
- Free and More Affordable Public Four-Year Degrees
Students who are Pell Grant-eligible receive free tuition and fees at Massachusetts’ public four-year colleges and universities, including nine state universities and the University of Massachusetts. Pell Grant-eligible students on these campuses also receive an allowance of up to $1,200 for books and supplies. Some middle-income students are also eligible for reduced costs.
- Free Community College
In Massachusetts, we’ve made comm
From need-based aid to scholarships in different fields, Massachusetts offers financial support that can be used at public or private colleges throughout the state.
The federal government’s FAFSA website includes tips for families, and entities such as the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) provide information and continuing supports during the school year for educators, counselors, administrators, students and their families.