Special Programs

Boston Bridge at RCC

The Boston Bridge combines the benefits of the Tuition-Free Community College Plan with the benefits of Commonwealth Commitment, a state plan that makes the continuation to four-year college more affordable. Through the Boston Bridge, you can attend one of TFCC’s participating community colleges and then transfer to one of Massachusetts’ four-year state schools to finish your bachelor’s degree at no cost.

A bachelor’s degree is a very worthwhile goal. Bachelor’s degree holders make, on average, nearly $20,000 more per year than those who earn only an associate degree! Just remember that pursuing a bachelor’s, and saving money through the Boston Bridge, will require extra work and commitment. You may be a good fit for the Boston Bridge program if you:

Want to earn your bachelor’s degree
Have a good idea of which major you want to pursue
Can attend college full-time
Plan to earn a 3.0 GPA

The Commonwealth Commitment

New students at Roxbury Community College may be eligible to participate in the Commonwealth Commitment, a new program offered through the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. The program makes a college education more affordable for MA residents.

Students Commit To:

Begin at one of Massachusetts' Community Colleges

Complete associate degree within 2.5 years

Transfer to one of Massachusetts' State Universities or UMass campuses

Complete bachelor's degree within 2 more years

Maintain full time, continuous enrollment and a cumulative 3.0 GPA

Commonwealth Commitment to Students:

A freeze on tuition & fees for all four years upon entry into the Commonwealth Commitment program, until student graduates or leaves program.

A reduction in tuition & mandatory fees

A tuition & mandatory fees rebate

An additional MassTransfer tuition credit once student enrolls in bachelor's program

To view a fact sheet on the Commonwealth Commitment, please click here. If you have questions about this program, please contact Kandley Val at 857-701-1207.

Tuition-Free Community College Plan for Boston Public Schools' Graduates

The Mayor's Office of Workforce Development, in partnership with Boston Public Schools, has rolled out the Tuition-Free Community College Plan to help BPS grads like you better afford college. Ready to get started? Here's the step-by-step process:

STEP 1: Determine if you are eligible for this program

To be eligible, you must:

Graduate from a high school in Boston (BPS, private, or charter school) within the past 18 months
Have a grade-point average of at least 2.0
Be eligible for a Pell Grant, as determined by the FAFSA
Require no more than three developmental courses by the start of the semester
Be a Boston resident
Have low to moderate household income, per HUD guidelines

A note for non-US citizens: Even if you cannot apply for the Pell Grant, certain categories of non-US citizens – including DACA and TPS – remain eligible to receive a small amount of financial support through the plan. Email TuitionFree@boston.gov or call the City of Boston help line at 3-1-1.

STEP 2: Understand which expenses the plan covers

After the Pell Grant is applied, the Tuition-Free Community College Plan covers the remaining costs of tuition and mandatory fees. Students whose tuition and fees are already fully covered by the Pell Grant will receive $250 each semester for up to three years of college-related expenses, such as books or transportation

Check the application website below for updates.

To learn more about the plan, visit www.bostonpublicschools.org/tuition-free-college. This website includes details on eligibility and coverage as well as tips for preparing for college. (The portal can be found under the "Students & Families" menu on the BPS website.) For questions, email TuitionFree@boston.gov or call the City of Boston help line at 3-1-1.

STEP 3: Apply to the program

Visit www.bostonpublicschools.org/tuition-free-college to apply.

STEP 4: Complete the FAFSA

Visit https://fafsa.ed.gov/ and list RCC as your college of choice.

STEP 5: Apply to RCC

Complete the application form.

STEP 6: Schedule your placement test

Contact our Testing Department at 857-701-3628 or testing@rcc.mass.edu.

STEP 7: Meet your advisor, register for class, and pay your bill.

For additional information, please click here https://s20289.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DES-248-Boston-Bridge-Flier_English.pdf

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