The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship rewards high-achieving Massachusetts public high school students with free tuition at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. It is awarded automatically based on MCAS results.
Last checked: October 2026. Confirm details with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility is based on a student’s first-time scores on the high school MCAS tests, compared with set score thresholds and rankings within their school district. Eligible students are notified, usually in the autumn of their senior year. See DESE’s eligibility page for the exact criteria.
What It Covers
- A tuition credit at eligible Massachusetts state colleges and universities.
- Up to eight semesters of undergraduate study.
- Must be used within six years of high school graduation.
Not covered: mandatory fees and room and board. At many Massachusetts public institutions, fees are much higher than tuition, so the actual saving can be smaller than students expect.
How to Use It
- Keep your award letter.
- Notify the financial aid office of the public college you will attend.
- Complete the FAFSA.
- Meet the college’s requirements to keep the award each year.
Compare the total cost of public colleges using the scholarship with offers from other colleges, which may provide more aid overall.
