FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) — Gov. Maura Healey signed the nearly $58 billion budget into law Monday, securing free community college in Massachusetts — but there are some stipulations.

The budget includes a new initiative called “MassEducate,” a $117.5 million investment that will cover tuition and fees for residents.

“This is on the heels of the project launched last year, ‘MassReconnect,’ that was free community college for those 25 and older. And we saw an incredible boom in students coming back to college or coming to college of the first time,” Bristol Community College President Laura Douglas told 12 News on Tuesday.

To be eligible, students must have a high school diploma or GED, have lived in Massachusetts for at least a year, and complete a FAFSA or MASFA form. They also must not have a bachelor’s degree yet.

Massachusetts has 15 community colleges, including Bristol Community College , which has campuses in Attleboro, Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton.

“College has become a little unaffordable. We hear that all the time. For students who have always wanted to come to college, this is their opportunity,” Douglas added.

Douglas recommended applying to the program early, since Bristol Community College has a priority deadline of August 27.

Healey said that through “MassReconnect,” opportunities for higher education will be available to people who may have never had access to it. The costs will be covered by revenue from the millionaire tax.

“Massachusetts will now have the most comprehensive free community college program in the united states,” Healey said.

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