The Healey-Driscoll administration is pouring $13 million into the Massachusetts state university system in an effort to bolster degree completion among students. This significant investment is intended to provide targeted support services, including supplemental tutoring, case worker assistance, and aid for ancillary college costs like transportation, child care, and food.
According to a recent announcement from the Massachusetts government, the influx of funding stems from a desire not only to increase college enrollment to pre-pandemic figures but also to ensure that enrolled students make it to the finish line. As the financial barrier lessens, thanks to a doubled investment in state financial aid, the administration is turning its attention to the obstacles that impede a student's journey, ranging from unexpected life events to basic necessities.
Governor Maura Healey, in a statement released by the Massachusetts government, expressed pride in the state's initiative, noting, "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." Echoing the sentiment, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll highlighted the need for such grants to mitigate the impact of day-to-day challenges on academic achievements.
Utilizing a case management approach akin to successful models like CUNY ASAP and SUNY ACE, Massachusetts aims to double degree completion rates. Each state university will employ predictive analytics to recognize at-risk students early on. The National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State University will join hands with eight out the nine state universities to craft student need assessments, as per a report by the Massachusetts government.
The SU SUCCESS program, which is a part of the larger Fiscal Year 2026 budget, will allocate grants across various institutions based on both total and Pell Grant-eligible student enrollments. For instance, Bridgewater State University is set to receive $2,895,954, while Fitchburg State University will get $1,297,587. Funds will enhance services like mental health support, academic persistence, and financial literacy programs, among others.
Senator Karen E. Spilka and House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano applauded the initiative for its efforts in bolstering higher education accessibility and quality. Dr. Linda Thompson, representing Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents, emphasized the importance of targeted support for students in achieving their academic goals and, in turn, enhancing the state's economic growth and social fabric. She stated, "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," as noted by the Massachusetts government.
