Those looking to join the funeral service profession in Massachusetts now have something to celebrate. Gov. Maura Healey recently signed a nearly $58 billion state budget that includes more than $117 million set aside for free community college.

This means that Massachusetts residents now have two free options to obtain their degree in funeral service: Cape Cod Community College in Bridgewater and North Shore Community College in Danvers. Both programs are equipped to service every corner of the state and have become powerhouses in funeral service education.

This doesn’t leave the rest of New England without benefit, however, because both programs also provide in-state tuition to all the New England states for those enrolled in funeral service. Any Massachusetts resident who has physically resided in the state for at least a year prior to starting his or her first semester and who has not obtained a bachelor’s degree is eligible for free college. Exclusions include early college/high school and dual enrollment. A student must be enrolled in at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in their approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate. A student must also maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the college’s requirements.

MassEducate/MassReconnect are last-dollar, financial aid grant awards that are applied to a student’s account after all other state and federal financial aid and grants are applied. To qualify, a new or currently enrolled student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) annually.

All majors at the community colleges are eligible for free tuition and there is no income cap. Some students will also receive a stipend for books and materials. capecod.edu; northshore.edu