Excited to release this policy brief exploring the college enrollment impacts of Massachusetts' recent dramatic expansions of free community college.
TLDR: The clear messaging and simple design of MassReconnect & MassEducate sparked substantial increases in community college enrollment.
TLDR: The clear messaging and simple design of MassReconnect & MassEducate sparked substantial increases in community college enrollment.
🚨New research looks at early impacts of MA’s free community college policies. Early evidence suggests expanded access & a reshaping of who shows up on campus.
Full brief ➡️ bit.ly/wepcmassreco...
@joshua-goodman.com, @doughesm.bsky.social, Morgan Fleming, Yunee H. Yoon
@buwheelock.bsky.social
Full brief ➡️ bit.ly/wepcmassreco...
@joshua-goodman.com, @doughesm.bsky.social, Morgan Fleming, Yunee H. Yoon
@buwheelock.bsky.social
March 2, 2026 at 1:46 PM
Excited to release this policy brief exploring the college enrollment impacts of Massachusetts' recent dramatic expansions of free community college.
TLDR: The clear messaging and simple design of MassReconnect & MassEducate sparked substantial increases in community college enrollment.
TLDR: The clear messaging and simple design of MassReconnect & MassEducate sparked substantial increases in community college enrollment.
Follow through on expanding MassReconnect to universal free community college and I’ll be a happy clam
May 21, 2024 at 12:30 AM
Follow through on expanding MassReconnect to universal free community college and I’ll be a happy clam
Massachusetts offers free education at all 15 of its public community colleges for state residents who do not already have a bachelor’s. MassEducate and MassReconnect cover remaining costs after other financial aid, and qualifying students may receive up to $1,200 yearly for books and supplies.
August 14, 2026 at 11:34 AM
Massachusetts offers free education at all 15 of its public community colleges for state residents who do not already have a bachelor’s. MassEducate and MassReconnect cover remaining costs after other financial aid, and qualifying students may receive up to $1,200 yearly for books and supplies.
@massgovernor.bsky.social
"In 2024, we delivered the most comprehensive, universal no-cost community college program in America.
We’re building on the success of MassReconnect by giving students of all ages another shot at a debt-free degree." Governor Maura Healey
"In 2024, we delivered the most comprehensive, universal no-cost community college program in America.
We’re building on the success of MassReconnect by giving students of all ages another shot at a debt-free degree." Governor Maura Healey
December 28, 2024 at 2:19 PM
@massgovernor.bsky.social
"In 2024, we delivered the most comprehensive, universal no-cost community college program in America.
We’re building on the success of MassReconnect by giving students of all ages another shot at a debt-free degree." Governor Maura Healey
"In 2024, we delivered the most comprehensive, universal no-cost community college program in America.
We’re building on the success of MassReconnect by giving students of all ages another shot at a debt-free degree." Governor Maura Healey
@bakerdphd.bsky.social This one to dovetail off your previous post. Out of our Millionaire's Tax, 15,000 new community college enrollees.
Despite federal cuts to higher ed, Mass. free community college presses on, transforming students’ lives - The Boston Globe
MassReconnect, which launched in 2022, offers free community college to state residents over age 25 who don’t have a bachelor’s degree.
www.bostonglobe.com
August 19, 2025 at 2:31 PM
@bakerdphd.bsky.social This one to dovetail off your previous post. Out of our Millionaire's Tax, 15,000 new community college enrollees.
We passed a wealth tax that would only go to education and transportation. So now community college is free for most people in the state.
For many, community college is an ideal choice. But university vs college should be just that—a choice.
For many, community college is an ideal choice. But university vs college should be just that—a choice.
State: over 4,500 students utilizing free community college program
We now know more than 4,500 students enrolled in one of the state’s 15 community colleges tuition-free, thanks to the MassReconnect program last fall.
www.westernmassnews.com
April 17, 2024 at 2:27 PM
We passed a wealth tax that would only go to education and transportation. So now community college is free for most people in the state.
For many, community college is an ideal choice. But university vs college should be just that—a choice.
For many, community college is an ideal choice. But university vs college should be just that—a choice.
Massachusetts made community college free—but that’s only the first step. Students across the state are still facing hunger, housing insecurity, and underfunded support services.
www.recorder.com/My-Turn-Hann...
#MassReconnect
#HungerFreeCampus
#StudentVoices
#FoodJustice
#HigherEdReform
www.recorder.com/My-Turn-Hann...
#MassReconnect
#HungerFreeCampus
#StudentVoices
#FoodJustice
#HigherEdReform
My Turn: Invest in hunger-free campuses to make free college truly work
www.recorder.com
April 5, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Massachusetts made community college free—but that’s only the first step. Students across the state are still facing hunger, housing insecurity, and underfunded support services.
www.recorder.com/My-Turn-Hann...
#MassReconnect
#HungerFreeCampus
#StudentVoices
#FoodJustice
#HigherEdReform
www.recorder.com/My-Turn-Hann...
#MassReconnect
#HungerFreeCampus
#StudentVoices
#FoodJustice
#HigherEdReform
Recent research from WEPC on a similar Massachusetts initiative found dramatically increased enrollment as community college was made free. Check out the policy brief below as we continue to build a fuller picture of the future of community college across the country.
June 3, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Recent research from WEPC on a similar Massachusetts initiative found dramatically increased enrollment as community college was made free. Check out the policy brief below as we continue to build a fuller picture of the future of community college across the country.
MA passed massreconnect last year. Adults over 25 without a degree and can go to community college for free. How are we doing it? Taxing the ultra wealthy appropriately. It's almost like if they paid their fair share nationwide, we could have free Healthcare and education 🤔
November 5, 2025 at 7:55 PM
MA passed massreconnect last year. Adults over 25 without a degree and can go to community college for free. How are we doing it? Taxing the ultra wealthy appropriately. It's almost like if they paid their fair share nationwide, we could have free Healthcare and education 🤔
TO BE CLEAR
I’d much rather these funds be going to the Excellent Fantastic MassEducate and MassReconnect initiatives which cover a college degree if you’ve never received one over a certain age OR you’re under a certain income level. Both programs are actually good and sometimes cover books.
I’d much rather these funds be going to the Excellent Fantastic MassEducate and MassReconnect initiatives which cover a college degree if you’ve never received one over a certain age OR you’re under a certain income level. Both programs are actually good and sometimes cover books.
February 27, 2026 at 9:19 PM
TO BE CLEAR
I’d much rather these funds be going to the Excellent Fantastic MassEducate and MassReconnect initiatives which cover a college degree if you’ve never received one over a certain age OR you’re under a certain income level. Both programs are actually good and sometimes cover books.
I’d much rather these funds be going to the Excellent Fantastic MassEducate and MassReconnect initiatives which cover a college degree if you’ve never received one over a certain age OR you’re under a certain income level. Both programs are actually good and sometimes cover books.
I’m trying to finish my bachelor’s (I am 40) and my local comm college (Holyoke) has been blowing smoke up my ass since I applied for admission in Sept.
I qualify for MassReconnect because I have no degree. Why are they making it so fucking hard to enroll
I qualify for MassReconnect because I have no degree. Why are they making it so fucking hard to enroll
December 26, 2024 at 11:24 PM
I’m trying to finish my bachelor’s (I am 40) and my local comm college (Holyoke) has been blowing smoke up my ass since I applied for admission in Sept.
I qualify for MassReconnect because I have no degree. Why are they making it so fucking hard to enroll
I qualify for MassReconnect because I have no degree. Why are they making it so fucking hard to enroll
The Hildreth Institute said MassReconnect largely accounted for a 12% year-over-year enrollment increase in students ages 25 and older www.highereddive.com/news/massach...
Massachusetts free community college program boosted adult enrollment, research finds
The Hildreth Institute said MassReconnect largely accounted for a 12% year-over-year enrollment increase in students ages 25 and older.
www.highereddive.com
November 18, 2024 at 3:14 AM
The Hildreth Institute said MassReconnect largely accounted for a 12% year-over-year enrollment increase in students ages 25 and older www.highereddive.com/news/massach...
Hey folks who live in Mass! Are you over 25, haven't completed a degree and would like to get one for free? You could see if you qualify here: masscc.org/massreconnect/
MassReconnect
Who Is Eligible? Massachusetts residents 25 years of age or older can take advantage of this opportunity to earn an …
masscc.org
June 29, 2024 at 4:51 PM
Hey folks who live in Mass! Are you over 25, haven't completed a degree and would like to get one for free? You could see if you qualify here: masscc.org/massreconnect/
Despite federal cuts to higher ed, Mass. free community college presses on, transforming students’ lives
MassReconnect, which launched in 2022, offers free community college to state residents over age 25 who don’t have a bachelor’s degree.
MassReconnect, which launched in 2022, offers free community college to state residents over age 25 who don’t have a bachelor’s degree.
August 17, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Despite federal cuts to higher ed, Mass. free community college presses on, transforming students’ lives
MassReconnect, which launched in 2022, offers free community college to state residents over age 25 who don’t have a bachelor’s degree.
MassReconnect, which launched in 2022, offers free community college to state residents over age 25 who don’t have a bachelor’s degree.
QCC credits this rapid enrollment increase in part to Massachusetts’ MassReconnect and MassEducate programs.
www.wbjournal.com/article/qcc-...
www.wbjournal.com/article/qcc-...
QCC enrollment surges, reaches highest headcount in 13 years
Quinsigamond Community College’s fall 2025 enrollment has grown approximately 15% since last year, reaching the Worcester school’s highest headcount in 13 years.
www.wbjournal.com
September 24, 2025 at 4:07 PM
QCC credits this rapid enrollment increase in part to Massachusetts’ MassReconnect and MassEducate programs.
www.wbjournal.com/article/qcc-...
www.wbjournal.com/article/qcc-...
Spotlight Policy Dialogue is coming up soon at 3:15 in Vevey 1!
Sharing the Load or Carrying the Cost? Policies in Higher Ed Finance
Panelists: @mdannenberg1.bsky.social, Jessica Taketa, Eyob Villa-Moges, @jwhitmore.bsky.social
Learn more with our new brief: bit.ly/wepcmassreconnect
#AEFP2026
Sharing the Load or Carrying the Cost? Policies in Higher Ed Finance
Panelists: @mdannenberg1.bsky.social, Jessica Taketa, Eyob Villa-Moges, @jwhitmore.bsky.social
Learn more with our new brief: bit.ly/wepcmassreconnect
#AEFP2026
Early Returns: Reversing Enrollment Declines in Massachusetts Community Colleges
Analysis of Massachusetts MassReconnect free community college program. Evaluates enrollment impact, student demographics, financial aid distribution, and persistence rates for free tuition initiative...
bit.ly
March 19, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Spotlight Policy Dialogue is coming up soon at 3:15 in Vevey 1!
Sharing the Load or Carrying the Cost? Policies in Higher Ed Finance
Panelists: @mdannenberg1.bsky.social, Jessica Taketa, Eyob Villa-Moges, @jwhitmore.bsky.social
Learn more with our new brief: bit.ly/wepcmassreconnect
#AEFP2026
Sharing the Load or Carrying the Cost? Policies in Higher Ed Finance
Panelists: @mdannenberg1.bsky.social, Jessica Taketa, Eyob Villa-Moges, @jwhitmore.bsky.social
Learn more with our new brief: bit.ly/wepcmassreconnect
#AEFP2026
"MassReconnect program, which would cover ‘last dollar’ cost to attend community college for residents 25 and older who have completed high school or some college credit." Life-long, skills-based, stackable learning...
November 18, 2024 at 9:46 PM
"MassReconnect program, which would cover ‘last dollar’ cost to attend community college for residents 25 and older who have completed high school or some college credit." Life-long, skills-based, stackable learning...
MassReconnect went through and I am so, so fucking going to get Shit Done.
August 5, 2023 at 4:37 AM
MassReconnect went through and I am so, so fucking going to get Shit Done.
Moving into this new space after watching some of @rbreich.bsky.social Coffee Klatch series. Tune in for topics on inequality, and government.
Currently using the MassReconnect program which I feel takes a direct stab at inequality. #freecollege #business #inequality #robertreich
Currently using the MassReconnect program which I feel takes a direct stab at inequality. #freecollege #business #inequality #robertreich
January 7, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Moving into this new space after watching some of @rbreich.bsky.social Coffee Klatch series. Tune in for topics on inequality, and government.
Currently using the MassReconnect program which I feel takes a direct stab at inequality. #freecollege #business #inequality #robertreich
Currently using the MassReconnect program which I feel takes a direct stab at inequality. #freecollege #business #inequality #robertreich
People: More like TAXACHUSETTS!
Meanwhile, in Taxachusetts, free community college to any resident over 25 who doesn't already have a degree.
Meanwhile, in Taxachusetts, free community college to any resident over 25 who doesn't already have a degree.
Healey launches free community college for Mass. residents 25
Gov. Maura Healey held a news conference on Thursday to announce the launch of MassReconnect, her administration’s program to provide free community college for Massachusetts residents age 25 and ol...
www.nbcboston.com
September 2, 2023 at 1:52 AM
People: More like TAXACHUSETTS!
Meanwhile, in Taxachusetts, free community college to any resident over 25 who doesn't already have a degree.
Meanwhile, in Taxachusetts, free community college to any resident over 25 who doesn't already have a degree.
Massachusetts Makes Community College Free for Students Over 25 With MassReconnect | Teen Vogue
www.teenvogue.com/story/massac...
www.teenvogue.com/story/massac...
Why Young People and Teachers Should Move to Massachusetts
In this op-ed, Gov. Maura Healey explains how she’s making education more accessible.
www.teenvogue.com
September 20, 2023 at 1:36 PM
Massachusetts Makes Community College Free for Students Over 25 With MassReconnect | Teen Vogue
www.teenvogue.com/story/massac...
www.teenvogue.com/story/massac...