Discounted tuition for eligible New England residents through NEBHE
Merit and tuition data verified via UMass Boston Office of Financial Aid and NEBHE regional tuition program listings. Actual scholarship cutoffs may vary by applicant pool.
Last verified: October 10, 2025
UMass Boston combines access and opportunity with a strong lineup of merit and regional tuition programs. High-achieving students can compete for the prestigious Chancellor’s Scholarship, which covers full tuition, while others may qualify automatically for Beacon or Merit Achievement awards that significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Through the New England Regional (NEBHE) program, out-of-state students from nearby states can save thousands per year on tuition—making UMass Boston one of the most affordable research options in the Northeast for driven students seeking an urban campus with real-world impact.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — UMass Boston is test-optional through 2026 and superscores if test scores are submitted.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 21–27; SAT: 1040–1280 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $17,123/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — UMass Boston participates in the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Regional Tuition Program, offering discounted rates for eligible neighboring states.
Not billed by UMass Boston: Books, travel & personal expenses are estimated at about $4,750 per year. These are indirect costs families should still budget for, but they don’t appear on the official university bill.
Average Net Price: According to federal data (IPEDS 2022–2023), families actually paid about $17,123 per year after grants and scholarships (no loans). This is the “real” average cost once financial aid is factored in.
Northeast Regional Discount (NEBHE):
Students from eligible New England states qualify for the NEBHE tuition program, which drops the out-of-state rate from $39,365 down to about $27,672. That’s a savings of roughly $10,900 each year compared to the standard nonresident price.
Example: A student from Maine would pay approximately $27,672 instead of $39,365. The discount applies automatically based on residency—no separate application required.
Cost & Waiver FAQ
Who qualifies for the Northeast discount?
Students from participating New England states who enroll full-time at UMass Boston.
How much do families really save?
Around $10,000–11,000 per year compared to the standard out-of-state tuition rate.
Do we have to apply?
No. The reduced rate is applied automatically when UMass Boston confirms your residency.
All incoming first-year applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on academic profile—no separate application needed. Awards are determined at admission.
Residency
Award Amount (per year)
Minimum Eligibility
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Deadline
Massachusetts Residents
$2,000 – $10,000
High school GPA ≥ 3.3 (recalculated, weighted)
Yes – up to 8 semesters with ≥ 2.8 GPA
Students with strong GPAs and rigorous coursework
November 1 (early action) February 15 (regular)
Northeast Regional (NEBHE)
$4,000 – $11,000
Same GPA criteria; regional residency
Yes
High-achieving regional students
November 1 February 15
Out-of-State Students
$4,000 – $17,000
GPA ≥ 3.3, rigorous coursework
Yes
Top nonresident applicants with strong academics
November 1 February 15
International Students
$2,000 – $10,000
GPA ≥ 3.3 (evaluated transcript)
Yes
High-achieving international applicants
November 1 February 15
Disclaimer: Award ranges are based on Fall 2025 data and may be adjusted annually. Scholarships are renewable for 4 years with a 2.8+ cumulative GPA (3.0 for Chancellor’s). Apply by early action (November 1) for maximum consideration; regular deadline is February 15.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to submit a separate application? No—admission leads to automatic consideration.
Does UMass Boston superscore the SAT or ACT? Yes. UMass Boston uses superscoring—accepting your best section scores across multiple test dates.
Can merit scholarships stack with the NEBHE tuition rate? Yes—regional students may receive both the NEBHE rate and a merit award.
How do I keep my scholarship each year? Maintain full-time enrollment and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8 (or 3.0 for Chancellor’s).
Unlike some public universities, UMass Boston does not offer large, university-wide competitive merit programs (like full-ride Presidential or flagship scholar awards for incoming freshmen). The main merit aid is automatic at admission. Additional scholarships are handled later through departmental, continuing-student, or need-based programs.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Notes
—
—
No university-wide competitive freshman awards
—
—
Departmental and continuing-student awards are covered in Hidden Gems
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Does UMass Boston offer full-ride competitive scholarships for freshmen?
No. There are no campus-wide, essay-based or interview-based full-ride programs for new first-years.
How are top students recognized?
High-achieving students get automatic merit awards at admission (see Automatic Scholarships for award ranges).
Are there competitive awards later?
Yes, but these are handled through the scholarship portal for continuing students or by college/department. See the Hidden Gems section for examples.
While UMass Boston doesn’t offer flashy competitive full-rides, there are still valuable awards for continuing students, students with financial need, and those who engage within their colleges or majors. These “hidden gems” often make the difference in covering costs.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Deadline
Comprehensive Scholarship
$400 – $3,000 (one-time)
Current undergraduates with ≥ 24 credits and GPA ≥ 3.3
Yes — AcademicWorks
No (one-time)
Sophomores or above with strong grades and involvement
October 15
College & Department Scholarships
Up to $4,000
Varies by college/major; GPA usually ≥ 3.0
Yes — AcademicWorks
Most one-time (some renewable)
Active, academically strong students in their program
November 1 (most)
GRAD Last Mile Scholarship
Up to $3,000 (one-time)
MA residents in final year, Pell-eligible, FAFSA, and serious financial barriers
Yes — rolling, separate form outside AcademicWorks
No (completion-focused)
Seniors close to graduating who face financial barriers
Rolling (until funds exhausted)
Hidden Gem FAQ
Where do I apply? Most through the AcademicWorks portal; Last Mile scholarship is a separate form.
Are these renewable? Most are one-time, but you can reapply in future years if eligible.
Who benefits the most? Students who keep GPAs strong, engage with their major, and apply early (especially for the Last Mile award if close to graduation).
Can these stack with merit or NEBHE? Yes; departmental and need-based awards generally stack, though need-based aid may be adjusted.
The Honors College at UMass Boston is designed for ambitious students who want a smaller community inside a large public research university. Admission is selective and gives students access to unique seminars, mentorship, and research opportunities that prepare them for graduate study and leadership roles.
What a Typical Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA of 3.7+, strong performance in AP/IB or honors courses, leadership experience, and often first-generation students who stand out for motivation and initiative.
Perks of the Honors College:
Priority registration and small discussion-based seminars
Dedicated Honors housing community
Faculty mentorship and support for research projects
Capstone thesis experience with presentation opportunities
Access to study abroad funding and national fellowship advising
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Deadline
Honors College Scholarships
$1,000 – $5,000 typical
Admitted Honors students with academic excellence
No separate app (reviewed with Honors application)
Yes — maintain a 3.3+ GPA in Honors coursework
Honors students with strong academic standing & engagement
December 15 (priority), February 23 (final fall deadline)
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic for top students? No. Invitation or separate Honors app required after general admission; strong grades plus essays considered.
Does Honors add time to a degree? No. Courses count toward graduation and core requirements; students graduate on time.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors students? Yes, including departmental and donor-funded awards; most range $1,000–$5,000 per year.
What deadlines matter? Priority: December 15. Final: February 23 (fall admits).
UMass Boston is not just any urban public university—it’s now officially in the top tier of American research institutions. Known for its commitment to access, equity, and real-world impact, it’s a true R1 powerhouse with distinctive strengths in education, nursing, environmental science, and public policy.
Standout Program:College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) — ranked #45 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, and the #1 public school of education in Massachusetts. CEHD is a leading force in teacher preparation and inclusive education.
Also, UMass Boston earned its R1 (Research 1) designation in 2025, signaling its status among the nation’s highest-research universities.
Nursing – U.S. News ranks the undergraduate nursing program at #43 in the U.S.
Education & Human Development (Graduate) – Ranked among top graduate education programs: Master’s in Education at #48; Doctor of Nursing Practice at #86 nationally
Social Mobility & Diversity – UMass Boston is nationally spotlighted for lifting up first-generation & low-income students (#36 for Social Mobility; #19 for Ethnic Diversity)
Computer Science – Ranked #62 for undergrad CS programs by U.S. News
Environmental Science – Among the top U.S. universities in Environmental Science research—ranked ~#190 nationwide
Marine Science / Oceanography – UMass Boston is the #2 most popular marine science program in New England; also among the top 15 nationally for degrees awarded
UMass Boston is a unique blend of access, affordability, and academic strength. From automatic merit scholarships to need-based programs like the Beacon Pledge, the university is intentional about supporting first-generation and Pell-eligible students. Add in its new R1 research designation, strong specialties in education, nursing, and marine science, and a growing Honors College, and you’ll see why so many Boston-area families view UMass Boston as both a practical and powerful choice. If you’re weighing your options, this page should give you the clarity to compare costs, aid, and opportunities with confidence.
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