Bill > S848

This bill establishes the Finish Line Scholarship Program, which will provide scholarships to cover the entire cost of tuition and fees for one year, other than the first, at Massachusetts public colleges or universities. The scholarships are available to Commonwealth residents with family incomes below the state's median who need financial assistance and meet eligibility requirements such as acceptable grades and an academic plan for timely degree completion. The Department of Higher Education will administer the program, which aims to increase student success and graduation rates, and lower achievement gaps for high-risk students. If funding is insufficient, scholarships will be awarded through a lottery, and the program's funds are meant to supplement, not replace, existing financial aid.