UMass Lowell Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 18, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~83%
- Middle 50% ACT: 28
- Middle 50% SAT: 1280
- Average GPA: 3.72
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: Admission is still very doable, but merit money will be limited. Focus on getting in and then layering state or need-based aid where possible.
- In the typical ranges: This is where UMass Lowell shines. Most students here will qualify for automatic merit—apply early and make sure GPA is strong, since that drives most of the award.
- Well above the ranges: You’re in position for the top merit tiers, including potentially full-tuition for in-state students. This is where Lowell becomes a serious value play compared to more expensive New England options.
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📌 UMass Lowell at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Chancellor’s Scholarship (MA Residents) & DC-CAP Scholars)
Average Net Price
$18,281/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$10,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
18 opportunities
2 automatic · 5 competitive · 9 hidden gem · 2 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.9+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 5 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Chancellor’s Scholarship (MA Residents) & DC-CAP Scholars
Honors College
Honors Program Available
UMass Lowell is one of those rare schools where the pricing actually makes sense upfront. The merit system is relatively transparent, awards are automatic, and families don’t have to chase dozens of separate applications just to see what they’ll get. For in-state students especially, this can turn into a very affordable option quickly.
Where it gets even more interesting is for New England families. The NEBHE tuition break can bring out-of-state costs down significantly—and when you stack that with automatic merit, Lowell becomes a strong “value school” that often beats more recognizable names on price. The key is simple: solid GPA, apply on time, and let the automatic system work in your favor. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — UMass Lowell is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 28; SAT: 1280.
Average net price? About $18,281/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in NEBHE.
💰 Cost of Attendance at UMass Lowell 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$17,664 |
$37,460 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$16,922 |
$16,922 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$34,586 |
$54,382 |
Average Federal Net Price: $18,281 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
🌎 Regional Tuition Discount: UMass Lowell participates in the
New England Regional Student Program (NERSP),
which allows students from eligible New England states to pay about
175% of in-state tuition—a major savings
compared to full out-of-state rates.
Sources:
https://www.uml.edu/thesolutioncenter/bill/tuition-fees/undergraduate/
https://www.uml.edu/admissions/costs/nersp.aspx
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-massachusetts-lowell/tuition-and-costs
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UMass Lowell does not publish a guaranteed, tiered merit scholarship matrix. While some named merit awards exist, most are competitive, limited in number, or tied to specific profiles such as residency or high school attended. The majority of new freshmen, even with strong GPAs, are not guaranteed a set merit award at admission.
Important: Automatic merit eligibility is determined during holistic admissions review, with preference for early action (EA) applicants. The number and size of awards often depend on applicant pool strength, residency, and available funding each year.
Automatic
Chancellor’s Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA)
$5,000–$10,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.9+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Some awards may stack with regional rates; confirm each year.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award size varies: in-state up to $5,000; regional/OOS up to $10,000. Top candidates preferred.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top new admits: 3.9–4.0 GPA, high test scores, or special nominations.
Automatic
General Merit/Immersive Scholars
📅 Deadline: Nov 15
✓ Renews
$1,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award stack guidelines may change; check with financial aid package.
💡
Strategic Detail
No guarantee of minimum award; named merit changes each cycle.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Select EA admits at top of applicant pool; funding and criteria vary by year and major.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
No public automatic merit matrix. Most admitted students, even with 3.7+ GPA, should not assume an award absent early action, exceptional academic record, or special nomination.
FAQ
Do I need a separate application for automatic merit? No, but some special scholarships require a nomination or supplemental materials.
Does UMass Lowell superscore SAT/ACT? Yes for admissions; but automatic merit is holistic, not grid-based.
Can merit stack with NE Regional rate? Confirm with aid office—some awards can stack, but policy varies.
Is automatic merit guaranteed? No—most scholarships are competitive, and a strong application/early action is recommended for best consideration.
✅ Competitive Scholarships
UMass Lowell awards several high-value merit scholarships to first-year students with no separate application. Awards are limited, highly competitive, and tied to Early Action timelines. Renewal almost always requires full-time enrollment and a minimum 3.000 GPA.
Full TuitionAutomaticgeographic
Chancellor’s Scholarship (MA Residents)
📅 Deadline: Nov 5
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 8 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Merit scholarship for Massachusetts residents that pays full in‑state tuition and mandatory fees
🏫 3.9+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Not stackable with some other major awards.
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers full tuition/mandatory fees, up to 8 terms.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top 5% of MA residents (GPA 3.9–4.0, AP/IB/Dual Enrollment).
Automatic
Dean’s Scholarship Program
📅 Deadline: Nov 5
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 8 yrs)
🏫 3.7+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Intended as primary merit aid; generally not stackable with other major merit.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award is up to half tuition and fees. Offer letter lists specifics.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High GPA, top 10–15% EA admits, strong curriculum.
Automatic
Mid-Atlantic Regional Awards
📅 Deadline: Nov 5
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 8 yrs)
$6,400–$20,400/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.4+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Not typically stackable with other major merit/NEBHE.
💡
Strategic Detail
Major merit for NY/NJ/PA, all majors eligible.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-years from NY/NJ/PA with 3.4–3.9 GPA and strong app.
Automatic
New England Regional Merit (NEBHE)
📅 Deadline: Nov 5
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 8 yrs)
🏫 3.6+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
May not stack with other primary merit.
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers up to half of NEBHE tuition for qualified regional first-years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top regional applicants, 3.6–3.9 GPA, AP/IB/Dual Enrollment.
Automatic
Out-of-State/National/Int’l Merit
📅 Deadline: Nov 5
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 8 yrs)
$5,000–$20,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.6+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Intended as primary merit aid, not usually stacked with other major merit.
💡
Strategic Detail
May be branded as National, International, or Presidential depending on applicant pool/funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: OOS or international first-years with advanced coursework and 3.6–3.95 GPA.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Deadlines matter: Early Action I: Nov 5 | Early Action II: Jan 15 | Regular Decision: Feb 15.
FAQ
Need a separate scholarship app? No—scholarships shown above are all awarded via admission review. EA deadlines boost odds for biggest awards.
Does UML superscore SAT/ACT? Yes—highest scores from all sittings are used for admission and merit, and can boost award level.
If test-optional? Still eligible for all merit, but a strong superscore provided can raise a student’s scholarship tier if their GPA is borderline.
Can these awards stack with NEBHE? Confirm with aid office. Most NE Regional/Mid-Atlantic awards are intended as “in addition to” the NEBHE Tuition Break. Rules may shift each year.
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These awards don’t always show up on the main scholarship charts, but they can make a big difference for those who ask early or get active in majors and research. Many can stack with merit or need-based aid, adding up to thousands more in support.
Full RideApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Army ROTC national window (Aug–Jan prior year)
✓ Renews
Full Ride
tuition, fees, housing, board, stipend
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers tuition, fees, some housing/board, stipend; award specifics by contract.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through Army ROTC process, meet service contract plus academic/medical requirements.
💡
Strategic Detail
Level/type depends on branch/contract; considerable value in total benefits.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Enrolled contracted ROTC cadets remaining in good standing.
Full TuitionApp Requiredgeographicneed_based
DC-CAP Scholars
📅 Deadline: Spring prior to fall start
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
tuition, housing, meal plan
✔ Stackable
⚠ A last-dollar full-ride partnership for D.C. public school residents that covers tuition, room, and board after federal and city grants are applied.
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable within certain limits/aid cap.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via DC-CAP onboarding and fulfill cohort participation and FAFSA requirements.
💡
Strategic Detail
Coverage up to full cost, based on program specifics.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: DC-CAP graduates maintaining program requirements.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Departmental Study Abroad Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Semester prior to travel
Non-Renewable
🏫 2.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
May be stacked with merit and study abroad grants.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through River Hawk portal semester before travel; approved program and good standing in major/minor required.
💡
Strategic Detail
Open to majors and minors; amounts can shift by program.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who plan ahead, apply early, and write a strong statement.
Automatic⚠ Sophomore Only
Immersive Scholars (experiential award)
📅 Deadline: Awarded at admission; must use funds by 2nd year.
Non-Renewable
🎓 Sophomore
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with need, merit, and experiential funds.
💡
Strategic Detail
Must be used in sophomore year for approved experiential learning.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top merit admits who use funds for experiential project in sophomore year.
App Required⚠ Junior Only
LIRA Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Fall
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.0+ GPA👥 ~5 winners/yr🎓 Junior
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable; five scholarships awarded annually.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via LIRA fall cycle; juniors/seniors with GPA ≥3.0 and campus or civic leadership/service recommended.
💡
Strategic Detail
Usually one semester funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Juniors and seniors active in service/campus leadership with solid GPA.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Math/Science/Art Named Departmental Awards
📅 Deadline: Spring
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable if offered as annual; some one-time.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via major/department portal in spring; selection based on GPA/project/portfolio or faculty nomination.
💡
Strategic Detail
Amount/type varies by college and discipline.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Majors demonstrating academic excellence or project/portfolio achievement.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Moloney Scholar Internship Support
📅 Deadline: Spring (for summer/fall start)
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with aid, subject to budget and need.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through Career/Co-op office in spring; must have secured a full-time unpaid internship with non-profit, government, or on-campus.
💡
Strategic Detail
Supports equity for unpaid/nonprofit/government work.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who land a qualifying internship, write clear rationale for professional goals.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Resident Advisor (RA) Benefits
📅 Deadline: Feb–Mar before academic year
✓ Renews
🏫 2.5+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Housing/meal benefit only; renewable by reappointment.
📄
How to Apply
Apply Feb–Mar for RA selection next academic year; must be on-campus student with ≥2.5 GPA and prior campus rec/activity preferred.
💡
Strategic Detail
Renewable benefit, not cash stipend; interviews may be required.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Returning undergraduate RAs selected for leadership/people skills and campus involvement.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Rist Institute for Sustainability & Energy (RISE) Fellows
📅 Deadline: Spring
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with stipends and research grants.
📄
How to Apply
Propose a sustainability project with faculty mentor; apply via RISE Institute in spring.
💡
Strategic Detail
Interdisciplinary, all majors encouraged to apply.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with strong project plan, faculty collaboration, and budget.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
UROC Undergraduate Research Stipend
📅 Deadline: Spring for summer/fall use
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with need and merit, subject to overall aid caps.
📄
How to Apply
Apply in spring for summer/special semester project with faculty mentorship; must submit proposal and secure acceptance.
💡
Strategic Detail
All majors eligible, must plan ahead and secure mentor.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students accepted into research with a clear project plan and faculty mentor.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
FAQ
Can these stack with automatic/competitive scholarships? Usually yes—confirm details for ROTC or endowed departmental funds, as some have caps.
Who should apply? Early planners, active in major/campus, and those in need of research/internship or study funds.
Are these need-based? Some; others are merit or participation only. Check each fund’s description and portal before applying.
🎖️ UMass Lowell Honors College
The UMass Lowell Honors College provides high achievers access to priority registration, small seminars, exclusive housing, faculty mentorship, and funding for research, travel, and creative work. Admission is selective—top admits may be invited automatically, but all students with strong records can apply after admission or as transfers.
What a Typical UMass Lowell Honors Student Looks Like:
GPA: 3.8–4.0 unweighted
Test Scores (if submitted): SAT 1340–1450, ACT 29–34*
AP/IB/dual credit courses, especially in intended major
Leadership/service/strong essays/creative work
Many are first-gen or from diverse backgrounds; exceptional applicants below the GPA range can still be admitted for outstanding achievements.
*Test ranges are estimates based on profiles; UML does not publish exact Honors cutoffs.
Perks:
- Priority course registration, dedicated Honors housing
- Faculty mentoring and thesis/project support
- Funding for research, travel, or community/creative projects
- Small, seminar-style classes
How to Join the Honors College
- First-year applicants: Top students often get an automatic invite. Others can apply after admission—requires a brief essay and latest transcript.
- Current students: After first semester, apply with ≥3.5 GPA and 12–24 earned credits.
- Transfers: Same criteria as current students; apply before or after transferring to UML.
Key Deadlines: Early Action I: Nov 5 (best shot for Honors + Tsongas); Early Action II: Jan 15; Regular Decision: Feb 15 (space-dependent for Honors College and top scholarships).
App Required⚠ Sophomore Only
Honors College Student Fellowships
📅 Deadline: Nov (spring), April (fall)
Non-Renewable
$1,500–$3,000
✘ Not stackable
🎓 Sophomore
✚
Stacking & Combining
One fellowship per student/team per period.
📄
How to Apply
Current Honors students submit application for research, creative or service fellowship with faculty endorsement.
Selection criteria: Proposal, recommendation.
💡
Strategic Detail
Thesis or project funding; topic, essay, and faculty match required.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
2nd/3rd/4th-year Honors students with project, faculty backing, 30+ credits.
Full RideApp Requiredhonorspipelinegeographic
Tsongas Scholarship (Honors College)
📅 Deadline: Nov 5
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA)
Full Ride
tuition, fees, housing
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Massachusetts residents who graduate from Lowell High School only; two students per year receive a four‑year full ride covering tuition, mandatory fees, standard housing, and meals at UMass Lowell.
🏫 3.9+ GPA👥 ~2 winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Not stackable with other major full-tuition awards.
📄
How to Apply
For MA residents admitted to Honors; submit Tsongas app and participate in interview; Early Action I preferred.
Selection criteria: Academics, interview, leadership.
🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Added $4,000 housing stipend.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top 5% of MA Honors admits, 3.9–4.0 GPA, exceptional service, interview.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: Published ranges above are based on recent recipient scores. Precise cutoffs are not published, and selection varies with funding/applicant pool.
FAQ
Is Honors admission automatic? No—some are invited, all others must apply after admission.
Not invited? You can apply with a short essay and transcript via the Honors portal.
Will it delay my degree? No—Honors credits go toward graduation, and the thesis fits into your existing major requirements.
Any extra fees? None for Honors; housing in Honors halls may differ slightly in cost.
⭐ College Specialty
UMass Lowell’s standout specialty:
The **Plastics (Polymer) Engineering** program is consistently ranked among the nation’s top. It’s the #1 in Massachusetts and #2 nationwide in College Factual’s rankings for polymer & plastics engineering bachelor’s programs. This program is also the **first and largest ABET-accredited Plastics Engineering program in the U.S.**, giving students a powerful head start in this niche field.
Source: College Factual ranks, “Polymer & Plastics Engineering” (#2 national, #1 in MA) and UMass Lowell Plastics Engineering site (first/largest ABET-accredited program)
In addition to plastics engineering, UMass Lowell is also well-known for several other high-impact programs and areas that matter in the job market and student opportunities:
- Engineering (General): The Francis College of Engineering is ranked among the top 100 in the U.S. News & World Report Best Engineering Schools (No. 97 tied). It powers high-impact R&D and hands-on training. (Source: U.S. News ranking: #97 for Best Engineering Schools)
- Online Bachelor’s Programs: Ranked #28 nationwide, and the best among Greater Boston institutions—particularly strong in Psychology and Business concentrations online. (Source: UMass Lowell blog summarizing U.S. News)}})
- Scientific Research & Innovation: As an R1 university, UML leads with real-world research impact—programs like the Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology (CubeSat initiatives with NASA) drive its reputation for applied innovation. (Source: Wikipedia: Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology NASA CubeSat partnership)
- Athletics (Ice Hockey): The River Hawks are a three-time Hockey East champion and made UMass Lowell’s first Frozen Four appearance in 2013, with repeat success in 2014 and 2017—putting UML on the NCAA Division I hockey map. (Source: Wikipedia: River Hawks hockey achievements)
- Public Value & ROI: UMass Lowell ranks as the #1 public university in New England for starting/mid-career salaries and graduates see one of the highest returns on their college investment. (Source: Massachusetts.edu campus profile ROI rank)
📎 Official Links — University of Massachusetts Lowell
💬 Final Thoughts
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is one of New England’s most practical—and powerful—public universities.
With nationally ranked programs in engineering, computer science, and business, UMass Lowell combines strong academics with career-focused learning.
Families often find the automatic merit awards and regional tuition discounts make a real difference, especially compared to other Northeast options.
For students who want a hands-on, affordable path to high-demand careers, UMass Lowell delivers serious return on investment.
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