College and Adult Child Support in Massachusetts: Post-Secondary Support to 23

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Massachusetts lets the court order support to 23 for a child domiciled in a parent’s home and principally dependent because of enrollment in an educational program, excluding costs beyond an undergraduate degree.

Does child support cover college in Massachusetts?

It can, in the form of support for a child 21 to 23. The court may make appropriate orders of maintenance, support and education for any child who has attained 21 but not 23, if the child is domiciled in the home of a parent and is principally dependent on that parent for maintenance due to enrollment in an educational program, excluding educational costs beyond an undergraduate degree (G.L. c. 208, s. 28).

What about college between 18 and 21?

The 18-to-21 rule covers maintenance, support and education for a child domiciled in a parent’s home and principally dependent, so college costs can be part of an order for a child in that range as well. The statute lists education in the order the court may make, and the guidelines say the court may consider the child’s living arrangements and post-secondary education for children over 18.

Does the guideline amount change for a child over 18?

The guidelines say the court may consider the child’s living arrangements and post-secondary education when setting support for children over 18 (Section III covers modifications). Bring a budget for tuition, housing and aid.

Are graduate school costs covered?

No. The 21-to-23 rule excludes educational costs beyond an undergraduate degree (c. 208, s. 28). A parent can still agree to more in a court-approved agreement.

Does the child have to live at home?

The statute requires that the child be domiciled in the home of a parent. A child who lives at school but whose home base is a parent’s is the kind of case courts address, so bring proof of domicile such as a lease, tax filing or mailing address.

Is there child support for a disabled adult child in Massachusetts?

We found no separate provision in the section we read. The 18-to-21 rule turns on domicile and dependence, and a disabled adult child may qualify under it. If your child needs support past 21, ask a licensed Massachusetts attorney about options before the 21st birthday.

What are the dates for a given birth date?

Where is the college rule written?

In the same section that lets the court order support for a child over 18, G.L. c. 208, s. 28 (the statute). The 2025 guidelines also tell courts they may consider a child’s living arrangements and post-secondary education when setting support for children over 18.

What should a parent do before the child turns 21?

1. Decide whether to ask for support to 23 because the child is enrolled in an undergraduate program.
2. File before the existing order ends if it ends at 18 or 21.
3. Gather proof of enrollment, domicile and dependence.
4. Ask the court to end duplicate support if it orders educational support.

What about unpaid support from before?

It stays owed: see how long Massachusetts arrears last and the Massachusetts child support end date calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• G.L. c. 208, s. 28: support of minor children; children 18 to 21 and 21 to 23
• G.L. c. 119A, s. 13: judgments; retroactive modification
• 2025 Child Support Guidelines, Section III: Modification
• G.L. c. 208, s. 36: security and enforcement

This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Massachusetts statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Massachusetts attorney.