Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $13 Million to Support State University Degree Completion

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $13 Million to Support State University Degree Completion 

The funds are estimated to have an immediate impact on over 16,000 students 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded $13 million across Massachusetts’ nine state universities to support student degree completion services. Funds will be used to support supplemental tutoring for students at-risk of not completing their degrees and pay for case workers to connect high need students with social service providers and programs. Grant funds also will be used to help students and families with college-going costs beyond tuition and fees, such as those related to transportation, child care, and food needs. 

During the Healey-Driscoll administration, Massachusetts has grown higher education enrollment back to pre-pandemic levels with a doubled investment in state financial aid programs. New success awards are designed to help enrolled students complete their credential programs so they can receive the full benefits of higher education. Recent state data on post-college earnings shows that students with degrees from Massachusetts’ public colleges and universities earn approximately $20,000 to $30,000 a year more five years after graduation than those whose education ended at high school.  

“We’re proud to have doubled state financial aid in Massachusetts to make it more affordable for students to attend college, and we’re also investing in the supports that students need to succeed in school and finish their degrees,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The return on investment is clear – graduates of state universities are more likely to stay in Massachusetts, join our workforce and contribute to our economy and our communities. That’s why we’re investing in their success.” 

“We don’t want obstacles like a flat tire or child care needs to derail talented, driven students from succeeding on our college campuses,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants help students navigate challenges that too often get in the way of completing a degree.”  

The State University SUCCESS program (SU SUCCESS) supports targeted areas of need identified by the institutions, while aligning the program with a case management approach to student advising that has been successful nationally. This approach has notably been followed by the highly regarded City University of New York ASAP (CUNY ASAP) and State University of New York ACE (SUNY ACE) programs that have doubled degree completion rates according to independent studies.  

State universities have shared that they will use the funds for support services like those associated with student mental health, academic persistence, financial literacy, career counseling, transportation and emergency grant aid, success coaches, housing support, and credit recovery needs as well as adjusting advisor caseloads to the recommended maximum of 150 students per advisor.  

With the new awards, each Massachusetts state university will make use of predictive analytics to identify students at-risk of not completing their degrees. Through a partnership with the State University Council of Presidents, the National Institute for Student Success (NISS) at Georgia State University will work with eight of the nine state universities to partner in developing student need assessments.  

“Breaking barriers to higher education equity means being intentional about meeting the needs of all students when they arrive on our campuses, including first-generation college students who are blazing paths to college in their families,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “This year’s approach to SU SUCCESS incorporates evidence-based practices that are working nationally, combined with state research analysis to understand what is working well on campuses and areas for improvement. Together, this will help us grow academic persistence and completion through comprehensive, high-quality support services.”   

“I’m grateful to Governor Healey and the Legislature for continuing to support college affordability and student success,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “Massachusetts’ doubling of state financial aid has grown enrollment, and programs like SU SUCCESS are crucial to making sure students are completing their credentials. Our state universities have been exceptional partners in launching a success program for their segment that uses national best practices while tailoring approaches to institutions’ unique needs.” 

The SU SUCCESS program was funded through the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget. In addition to grants to campuses, funding will support SU SUCCESS’s system-wide program implementation and evaluation activities. Combined with the Community College SUCCESS program, the FY26 budget included $28 million for student success programming overall.   

“Higher education boosts wages and improves quality of life for Massachusetts residents,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Few investments are more important than those that help improve access to affordable and quality education, which is why I am proud that the Senate was able to deliver these resources. I applaud the Governor and her team for swiftly getting this funding to the students who need and deserve it.” 

"SUCCESS funding is about turning access into achievement by giving students the support that they need to stay on track and graduate," said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). "The House first advanced this program because we know that success in college doesn't happen in isolation. By providing wraparound services at our state universities for meaningful academic support, we are helping students build the futures that they deserve." 

“Higher education empowers residents to build careers, strengthen their families, and boost our economy,” said Dr. Linda Thompson, Chair of the Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents, and President of Westfield State University. “In our complex and evolving world, targeted support for students helps them focus on their studies and complete their degrees, contributing to the overall betterment of society. SUCCESS funds provide our universities with the resources needed to deliver smarter support and better serve our campus communities. We have seen how investing in higher education creates a foundation for a better future, and we are confident these critical investments will boost graduation rates, leading to a stronger Commonwealth for generations to come.”  

FY26 State University SUCCESS Grant Awards 

Grant awards per institution were determined by using a formula that accounted for overall enrollment and Pell Grant-eligible student enrollment.  

• Bridgewater State University: $2,895,954  

• Fitchburg State University: $1,297,587  

• Framingham State University: $1,315,502  

• Massachusetts College of Art and Design: $890,286  

• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts: $684,096  

• Massachusetts Maritime Academy: $713,536  

• Salem State University: $2,050,053  

• Westfield State University: $1,532,755  

• Worcester State University: $1,620,191