New Access to Higher Ed Initiative Announced

Suffolk University announced today that graduates of Boston Public Schools (BPS) and Boston Charter Schools (BCS) with family adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less will receive full tuition coverage for their undergraduate education at Suffolk.

The offer applies to any BPS or BCS graduate who meets the financial criteria and enrolls as a first-year student at Suffolk in fall 2026. The program covers four years, or eight consecutive semesters of undergraduate education at Suffolk.

The expanded family income-tuition waiver program expands Suffolk’s already deep and longstanding relationships with Boston Public Schools and Boston Charter Schools, tuition-free, independently run public schools in Boston. The University has for years offered on-campus dual enrollment classes to Boston high school juniors and seniors, who receive both high school and college course credit. The University also offers free-of-charge summer courses at its Sawyer Business School, selected full-tuition scholarships for students based on financial need and merit, and other programming and mentorship opportunities.

“Suffolk University believes deeply in the transformative power of education, and we are committed to eliminating roadblocks that stand in the way of educational opportunity,” said Suffolk University President Marisa Kelly. “Today, Suffolk moves forward with a program that furthers our core mission of access by removing financial barriers that might prevent certain Boston public and charter school graduates from advancing their education. We know this will make a difference in individual lives, while strengthening the city that is our home.”

Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper praised the new initiative.

“The Free Tuition Program initiative in partnership with Suffolk University is a powerful, impactful investment in Boston’s students and families,” Skipper said. “Boston Public Schools is committed to ensuring our students are prepared for the paths they choose after high school, and by removing financial barriers to higher education, we are expanding access to opportunity and affirming that our students’ hard work and potential should never be limited by cost. We extend our gratitude to Suffolk for its continued collaboration with BPS and for creating pathways that allow our graduates to pursue their aspirations and build their futures right here in Boston.”

This program also includes academic support and mentorship through the Center for First-Generation & Educational Equity. Fall 2026 admitted students who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be evaluated by the Student Financial Services Office for program eligibility.