University of UMass Boston Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Massachusetts aid & Grants
Last Updated on June 18, 2026- 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: ~81%
- Middle 50% ACT: 24
- Middle 50% SAT: 1160
- Average GPA: 3.6
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of UMass Boston at a Glance
- The biggest scholarships (like the Chancellor’s Scholarship) are highly competitive—don’t assume they’re likely, even with strong grades.
- Out-of-state discounts depend on NEBHE eligibility and specific majors—families often assume it applies automatically when it doesn’t.
- Applying Early Action (Nov 1) gives you the best shot at merit—waiting until regular decision can limit scholarship opportunities.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of UMass Boston is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 24; SAT: 1160.
Average net price? About $17,123/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in NEBHE.
AcademicWorks Portal: https://umb.academicworks.com
AcademicWorks Opportunity: https://umb.academicworks.com/opportunities/7695
University scholarship page: https://www.umb.edu/financial-aid/undergraduate-scholarships/
Scholarships for Continuing Students: https://www.umb.edu/financial-aid/undergraduate-scholarships/scholarships-for-continuing-students/
Honors College site: https://www.umb.edu/honors/join-the-honors-college/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of UMass Boston 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) | $16,558 | $39,365 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $19,578 | $19,578 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $36,136 | $58,943 |
Average Federal Net Price: $17,123 — 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.
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.
https://www.umb.edu/bursar/tuition-and-fees
https://finaid.umb.edu/scholarships
https://www.nebhe.org/tuitionbreak/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?166674-University-of-Massachusetts-Boston
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-university-search/university-of-massachusetts-boston
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Disclaimer: Award ranges are based on Fall 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).
https://admissions.umb.edu/costs-aid/first-year-merit-scholarships
https://admissions.umb.edu/costs-aid/regional-tuition-discount
https://umb.edu/financial-aid-scholarships/types-of-aid
https://umb.academicworks.com/
https://collegereadyparent.org/college/university-of-massachusetts-boston-scholarships/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
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.
https://admissions.umb.edu/costs-aid/first-year-merit-scholarships
https://umb.academicworks.com/
https://umb.edu/financial-aid-scholarships/types-of-aid
🎖️ Honors College
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.
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.
- 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
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).
https://www.umb.edu/academics/honors-college/
https://www.umb.edu/admissions/apply/admissions-deadlines/
https://umb.academicworks.com/
https://collegereadyparent.org/college/university-of-massachusetts-boston-scholarships/
⭐ College Specialties
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.
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