On Sept. 18, 2025, Lasell announced a new commitment to make our university more accessible for students and their families who make under $100,000 annually, and can receive full tuition coverage.
According to Lasell’s website, which spoke about the tuition commitment, the main goal of this commitment is that there should not be a price on valuable education, and this commitment will allow committed and passionate students to learn and grow without worrying about a lack of funds. Though this commitment, of course, comes with some eligibility requirements.
The commitment would start in the fall of 2026 for the first time, and full-time students who are eligible for full tuition coverage. Current Lasell students are unfortunately not eligible, as well as out-of-state students and graduate students.
“I was disappointed to hear that the Lasell commitment would only apply to Massachusetts residents, especially after finding out that I would be eligible for it if I weren’t from Maine. This is incredibly frustrating as I am currently paying for this education myself, the majority of it being high-interest loans, causing much stress,” sophomore criminology major Sarah Earley said.
Earley, being an out-of-state and current student, does not qualify for the commitment, and many other students feel similarly.
“I think it is a great thing for students coming in, but I do wish there was some kind of deduction from the current students’ tuitions,” said Maddi Peckham, a sophomore and current in-state student who also does not qualify for the commitment.
If students and their families meet all the requirements, which are as follows: You must apply and be admitted to Lasell for the first time, and demonstrate that your household earnings are under $100,000 annually. The student must start their time at Lasell in the fall semester, not spring. The student must also be a resident of Massachusetts and eligible for a Pell Grant. They must also maintain a full-time enrollment status once they attend Lasell and have a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher in high school. This commitment is only for new students, and these students must continue to meet federal and institutional aid eligibility standards.
“For 174 years, Lasell University has been committed to making a college education accessible to as many people as possible. The Lasell Tuition Commitment ensures that a greater number of talented and motivated students can now pursue their dreams and graduate career-ready—without a financial burden,” said President Eric Turner.
There is no separate application process once you file your FAFSA; Lasell considers all students for tuition coverage. Though the students do not need to live on campus to qualify, room, board, and other living costs, such as meal plans, are not covered under the commitment. Students can, however, apply for separate scholarships for books, supplies, and personal expenses.
This new commitment is a huge step forward in making education at Lasell more accessible for Massachusetts students looking to further their learning and make strides toward their future.
–Oct. 7, 2025–