Press Release  Governor Healey, Senate President Spilka Highlight Success of Free Community College as Enrollment Surges Across Massachusetts

FRAMINGHAM — Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Senate President Karen Spilka visited MassBay Community College today to highlight the success of free community college in Massachusetts, as new data shows enrollment has increased more than 43 percent since 2022, adding approximately 27,000 students. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Senate President toured nursing classrooms and health sciences labs before meeting with students and college leaders to hear firsthand how free community college is helping more Massachusetts residents pursue degrees, prepare for good-paying jobs and advance their careers.

The visit comes as new data from the Department of Higher Education shows that enrollment at Massachusetts' 15 community colleges increased another 3.9 percent this fall to nearly 90,000 students. MassBay has seen enrollment increase 59 percent since free community college began, reaching an all-time high of 5,555 students. Half of MassBay students are benefiting from free community college.

“We made community college free because everyone in Massachusetts deserves the opportunity to get a great education and a good-paying job without taking on crushing debt. And it's working,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We've added 27,000 community college students since we took office, and schools like MassBay are seeing record enrollment. That's thousands more people training to become nurses, health care workers and other professionals that our communities and employers need. We're going to keep building on this progress and making sure students have the support they need to graduate and succeed.”

“Free community college is opening doors for thousands of Massachusetts residents who may have thought a college degree was out of reach,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Whether you're a recent high school graduate, a working parent or someone looking to start a new career, we're making it easier to get the education and skills you need without the financial burden. This is good for students, good for families and good for our economy.”

"For too long, many our residents looked at college and thought, 'I wish.' Today, because of our commitment to universal free community college and investments in affordability and access, more are saying, 'I will,'" said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "These enrollment gains are exactly what we hoped to achieve when we removed the burden of paying for community college. Thousands more students are pursuing higher education, preparing for in-demand careers, and building brighter futures for themselves and their families. I am profoundly grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, President Podell and our community college leaders, and the students and faculty for the continued partnership that ensures this initiative continues to exceed expectations. This growth is a powerful reminder that when we invest in opportunity, our Commonwealth is stronger."

When Governor Healey took office, she pledged to make community college free for every resident age 25 and old. She delivered on that promise with the strong support of the Legislature in her first year. The following year, Governor Healey and the Legislature expanded free community college to all state residents. The program covers the full cost of tuition and fees, and eligible students can also receive financial assistance for books, supplies and other costs associated with attending college.

The impact goes beyond enrollment. Students benefiting from free community college are taking and completing more credits and are more likely to stay in school. Statewide, the share of community college students returning for their second fall semester has increased to 62.2 percent, while the share of students completing credits on time has improved to 40.3 percent. The number of community college students receiving federal Pell Grants has also grown significantly, from approximately 22,000 in 2023 to 38,000 in 2025. At MassBay, students are gaining hands-on experience in fields where Massachusetts employers need more workers. The college's Center for Health Sciences, Early Childhood, and Human Services offers training in nursing, medical assisting, radiology and other health care professions. MassBay also launched a new Diagnostic Medical Sonography program this fall, expanding opportunities for students to enter high-demand, good-paying careers.

“For too many students and families, the cost of college has been a barrier to pursuing their educational and career goals,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “Free community college is changing that reality for thousands of people across Massachusetts, and it’s encouraging to see more students not only enrolling, but staying on track toward earning their degrees. By making college more affordable and investing in the supports students need to succeed, we’re opening doors to new opportunities and helping more students achieve their goals.”

“We are extremely grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Senate President Spilka for this transformative investment in Massachusetts community colleges, making it possible for students to pursue their education tuition-free,” said MassBay President David Powdell. “Their leadership has had a profound impact on our students by removing a significant barrier to earning a college degree. We heard from several students today who are ready to meet Massachusetts’ workforce needs, advance their careers, and change the trajectory of their lives and the lives of their families.”

“It was an honor to represent MassBay at a roundtable discussion with Governor Healey and to share my experience as a student, specifically as someone who returned to their studies after the age of 25,” said Juan-Carlos Giraldo. “Tuition-free community college will allow me to earn an associate degree in International Business, and my work as a peer navigator has helped students from diverse backgrounds achieve success. I will graduate in December and have been accepted to UMass Boston to pursue a bachelor’s degree in International Relations. I am grateful to the MassBay community for helping me reach this point.”

Massachusetts is also seeing enrollment growth across its public higher education system. Preliminary fall 2026 data shows undergraduate enrollment at public colleges and universities increased 2.2 percent to nearly 176,000 students, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth. That includes the first enrollment increase at Massachusetts' nine state universities since 2013.

Today's visit builds on Governor Healey's efforts to make higher education more affordable and help more students graduate and enter the workforce. In addition to making community college free, the administration has doubled state spending on financial aid at public four-year colleges, covering tuition and fees for Pell Grant-eligible students and reducing tuition and fees by up to 50 percent for students from middle-income families. The administration has also invested $38 million in student success initiatives to expand advising, tutoring and other supports that help students graduate, expanded workforce training at all 15 community colleges, and launched the Go Higher campaign to connect more residents with affordable college opportunities.

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