More than 50 Wareham students will get a little help from the Commonwealth if they choose to attend a state school for college.

The state recently announced the recipients of John and Abigail Adams scholarships, which cover the tuition at public colleges for students who score "advanced" or "proficient" on the English and math MCAS tests taken in grade 10, and who have combined scores from the tests that place them in the top 25% of their graduating class.

A total of 43 Wareham High School students received the scholarships, as well as 13 Wareham residents attending Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School.

Students still have to pay fees, which can be up to $10,000 per year at some schools, but the Adams scholarship will knock several thousand dollars off the tab of a state school education.

The average cost of tuition at state universities such as Bridgewater State and Salem State, was $965. The average cost was $1,616 at UMass campuses, according to the Mass. Department of Higher Education.

"When you're looking at tough economic times, any type of scholarship is very helpful," said Wareham High School Principal Scott Palladino.

High school seniors are still applying to schools and waiting for acceptance letters, but many say they're excited that they can factor the scholarship into their decision-making.

"Any money is happy [news] for me," said Paige Vespa, a Wareham High School student who plans to major in psychology at either Northeastern University or UMass Boston. "It's great if I do decide to go to UMass Boston."

Wareham High School student Anthony Abbott plans to major in marketing, and is looking at a few schools, including Bentley University. As for public colleges, UMass Amherst is on his radar.

"The scholarship takes the costs off that school, so it definitely factors into my decision," said Abbott. "It's exciting."

Wareham High student Wyatt Harunk was excited to learn that he received the scholarship. So excited, in fact, that he forgot to tell his parents, who found out he received the scholarship... and waited days for him to tell them himself. (Hey, everyone had a good laugh when he remembered!)

"I did decently well on the MCAS," Harunk said, "but I wasn't expecting [the scholarship]. I'm very thankful to get it."

Harunk, whose mother, Kathy, teaches first grade at Minot Forest Elementary, hopes to major in engineering. Northeastern, the University of Rhode Island, UMass Amherst, and UMass Dartmouth are all on his list.

Lauren Slaney, a Wareham High student, also welcomed the scholarship surprise.

"I'm thankful for it because I'm paying for college [myself]," she said.

Slaney plans to major in communication and retail marketing.

"UMass Amherst is on my list!" she said.

Wareham resident Rashaun Gomes was one of the 13 Upper Cape Tech students from Wareham who learned he's eligible for the Adams scholarship.

"I didn't know it was coming! I was surprised," he said. "I want to go to either Boston College or UMass Amherst."

A culinary student, Gomes said he isn't sure what major he'll pursue in college, but noted that he doesn't plan to continue in the culinary field.

As he applies for schools and makes decisions for next year, Gomes is also taking time to enjoy the last of his high school career. He's on Upper Cape's varsity basketball team, and is eagerly awaiting the start of the season.

"I'm trying to be the captain this year," he said, noting that he hopes to be co-captain with his best friend and fellow senior, Mason Nix. "I'm just ready for basketball."