Department of Higher Education Data Shows MassReconnect Program Drove 45% Enrollment Increase in new Students Aged 25 and Older

Department of Higher Education Data Shows MassReconnect Program Drove 45% Enrollment Increase in new Students Aged 25 and Older:

 

The program inspired thousands of new students and brought affordability across demographics

 

Boston, MA -- The Healey-Driscoll Administration is highlighting the impact of MassReconnect as the first academic year with this program wraps up, having supported over 4,500 students. Launched in August 2023, Governor Healey’s free community college program for students 25 and over without prior degrees has made Massachusetts’ 15 community colleges tuition and fee free for thousands of students, and inspired thousands more to enroll since the program’s start.  

 

A total of 8,411 students ages 25 and older enrolled in community college in the first year of MassReconnect, which was nearly a 45 percent increase from the previous year. These new students drove an eight percent overall enrollment growth across Massachusetts community colleges, reversing a decade of declines.  

 

For the 2023-2024 academic year, more than 4,500 students received MassReconnect grant awards. Students receive support from MassReconnect after all other forms of federal and state financial aid are applied. This means the MassReconnect messaging and outreach helped support many students toward pursuing higher education who may have not otherwise, connecting them with other federal and state financial aid programs, such as the federal Pell Grant. 

 

“We’re thrilled that the first year of MassReconnect has been successful in attracting thousands more students aged 25 and older to our incredible community colleges. This is a ticket to economic mobility, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s economy and meet the needs of our employers,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful to the hardworking educators and staff who made this possible and to the Legislature for their partnership in creating this important program.” 

 

“Congratulations to the thousands of students who took the important step of enrolling in community college this year. It is so exciting to see MassReconnect expanding the possibilities for older students across Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We encourage anyone who might be eligible to explore their options for next school year and set themselves up for a brighter future.” 

 

The ability of MassReconnect to connect students with other forms of financial aid can also be seen in the FAFSA completion data. Of students 25 and over who met MassReconnect requirements, 86 percent completed the FAFSA in fall 2023, a seven percentage point increase from the prior year. FAFSA completion is required to qualify for MassReconnect.  

 

“These MassReconnect numbers show that when we are intentional about spreading the word far and wide that financial aid is available, students will make use of that aid. We are building on this work as we partner with schools and non-profits to increase FAFSA completion so more students can continue to take advantage of the historic state aid available next academic year,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. 

 

The Department of Higher Education’s (DHE) recent legislative report found that the 8,411 new community college students ages 25 and over included 1,667 new students who identified as Black or African American and 1,966 new students who identified as Hispanic or Latino, representing significant enrollment growth over the prior year and demonstrating that MassReconnect is attracting students from across racial subgroups. 

 

“The number of students who benefitted from MassReconnect in a short time is remarkable and demonstrates the strength of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s vision for building a stronger Commonwealth,” said Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “Massachusetts has an opportunity to lead the nation in upward mobility through higher education, and new programs like MassReconnect and MASSGrant Plus Expansion lay the crucial groundwork for getting there.”  

 

Governor Healey’s proposed fiscal year 2025 budget included $24 million in funding for MassReconnect, a 20 percent increase from the prior budget. The Department of Higher Education will continue to measure MassReconnect’s success, including enrollment, graduation and transfer rates.  

 

Learn about how MassReconnect supported students’ educational and career goals on the DHE’s website, including student stories. 

 

“Not only has MassReconnect made a difference in the lives of thousands of students, it has also been a big step toward increasing equity in higher education in Massachusetts,” said Luis Pedraja, president of Quinsigamond Community College and chair of the Community College Council of Presidents. “I’ve seen the positive impact MassReconnect has had first-hand at my own college, and we look forward to further collaboration with the Healey-Driscoll administration to further elevate our students’ educational opportunities.”  

 

“When the Senate began the push to make community college free, we knew that tearing down barriers to college would change the trajectories of so many people and families,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “These numbers show we are right. The residents who have taken advantage of this program will have increased earning potential and are likely to contribute their talents to the workforce, right here in Massachusetts. I’m grateful to Governor Healey and her administration for their partnership on and implementation of this initiative, and I look forward to seeing its growth continue.”

 

“It’s encouraging to see that the MassReconnect program is already having its intended impact, creating opportunities for thousands of students across Massachusetts, and bolstering the workforce pipeline for critical industries,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m incredibly proud of the House’s support for this program, and I’m grateful to Governor Healey and her administration, and to our partners in the Senate, for prioritizing transformative college and career programming in the Commonwealth." 

 

“Higher education opens doors to transformational opportunities,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “It's thrilling to see state investment put to work so beautifully on behalf of Massachusetts students through the MassReconnect program. Kudos to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Department of Higher Education, and the Legislature for this enduring commitment. I am excited to see how this expanded student assistance will continue to catapult students and our Commonwealth forward.”

 

"Expanding access to higher education for those 25 and older is off to a good start," said Representative Dave Rogers (D-Cambridge), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. "The initial success of MassReconnect is encouraging, and we hope to see this program continue to expand educational opportunity."