BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker and Mayor Marty Walsh have unveiled a tuition-free college program for low-income students in Boston.
The Republican governor and the Democratic mayor launched the new college affordability program for high school graduates in the city on Tuesday. The aim is to allow eligible students to complete four-year degrees without paying tuition or mandatory fees.
The program, called The Boston Bridge, will be open to 2017 high school graduates who live in the city.
The state and the city said they’ll cover students’ tuition and fees, taking federal Pell grants into account.
“College affordability too often serves as a barrier for students in the Commonwealth seeking to complete a degree, and this program is intended to provide more opportunities for a quality education,” Baker said.
Walsh said the partnership means “a free bachelor’s degree is within reach” for low-income students.
To qualify for the tuition-free program, eligible students must meet federal Pell grant income standards and enroll full time at Bunker Hill Community College, Roxbury Community College or Mass Bay Community College. The students will be required to complete their associates’ degrees within two and a half years before transferring to state public colleges or state universities.
