University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships by GPA and test score
- Competitive and hidden-gem awards worth exploring
- Honors College opportunities and NEBHE regional tuition discounts
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~89%
- Middle 50% SAT: 1020–1240
- Middle 50% ACT: 20–26
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.2–3.8
Source: UMass Dartmouth Common Data Set 2024–25 and College Board BigFuture.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UMass Dartmouth at a Glance
Last verified: October 24, 2025
UMass Dartmouth blends affordability with opportunity—especially for students across New England. Strong academics can earn automatic merit scholarships, while top performers compete for the Chancellor’s Scholarship, which covers full tuition. Regional students also benefit from the NEBHE Tuition Break, which offers major-specific discounts for eligible programs.
Whether your student qualifies for automatic awards, competitive scholarships, or NEBHE reciprocity, applying early ensures the best chance to combine institutional, state, and federal aid for maximum value.
FAQ
Is UMass Dartmouth test-optional? Yes — through 2026. The university superscores ACT and SAT if provided.
What’s the average net price? Around $20,696/year after grants and scholarships (NCES 2024).
Does UMass Dartmouth offer regional tuition discounts? Yes — through the NEBHE Tuition Break, which gives reduced tuition to qualifying students from other New England states.
UMass Dartmouth Financial Aid — https://www.umassd.edu/financialaid/
Scholarships — https://www.umassd.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
Undergraduate Admissions — https://www.umassd.edu/admissions/undergraduate/
Tuition & Fees — https://www.umassd.edu/undergraduate/tuition-and-fees/
Honors College — https://www.umassd.edu/honors/
NEBHE Tuition Break — https://www.nebhe.org/tuitionbreak/
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?167987-University-of-Massachusetts-Dartmouth
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Figures reflect the 2025–2026 academic year and assume full-time enrollment (12 credits/semester). Housing & meals use a standard on-campus double room + Unlimited Plus dining plan.
| Category | In-State (MA) | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $16,233 | $33,782 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus) | $19,132 | $19,132 |
| Total (before aid) | $35,365 | $52,914 |
Standard allowances (additional/indirect): Books & supplies $1,400; Transportation $500 (on-campus); Personal/misc. $1,200. When added to the direct costs above, the official total Cost of Attendance is approximately $38,537 (in-state on-campus) and $56,086 (out-of-state on-campus).
Reciprocity & Regional Tuition Options
- New England Regional Rate (NEBHE “Regional/Proximity”): For residents of CT, ME, NH, RI, and VT. 2025–2026 tuition & mandatory fees are $21,970. That’s about $11,812 less than standard out-of-state. Learn more about NEBHE reciprocity →
- UMassD Direct: For residents of MD, NY, NJ, and PA. Reduces out-of-state charges to the same $21,970 level (similar savings of about $11,812 vs. out-of-state).
Worked example: Out-of-state tuition & fees of $33,782 − Regional/Direct rate of $21,970 ≈ $11,812 saved on tuition/fees. Housing & meals are the same for all.
FAQ
Who qualifies? New England residents (CT, ME, NH, RI, VT) qualify for the Regional rate; MD, NY, NJ, and PA residents may qualify for UMassD Direct.
How much is the discount? About $11.8k off the out-of-state tuition & fee level (to $21,970).
Automatic or application? Awarded based on state residency at admission (no separate application advertised). Program availability and eligible majors are subject to university terms—always confirm on your admit letter/portal.
https://www.umassd.edu/undergraduate/tuition-and-fees/
https://www.umassd.edu/financialaid/cost-of-attendance/
https://www.umassd.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
https://www.umassd.edu/admissions/undergraduate/requirements/
https://www.umassd.edu/honors/
https://www.nebhe.org/tuitionbreak/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-university-search/university-of-massachusetts-dartmouth
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?167987-University-of-Massachusetts-Dartmouth
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UMass Dartmouth automatically considers admitted students for merit scholarships based on GPA, class rank, and test scores (if submitted). These awards do not require a separate application—students are reviewed at the time of admission. Dollar amounts vary depending on academic strength and residency status.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship | $6,000–$12,000/year | In-state/out-of-state students; strong GPA/test scores (if submitted) | No | Yes—3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment | ~3.7+ GPA, 1200+ SAT/25+ ACT. Top admits[web:549][web:546] | March 31 (priority, rolling after) |
| Dean’s Merit Scholarship | $2,500–$6,000/year | Solid academic record, above average GPA/test | No | Yes—2.75 GPA and full-time enrollment | ~3.3–3.6 GPA, 1050–1190 SAT/22–24 ACT[web:549][web:546] | March 31 |
| University Merit Award | $1,000–$3,000/year | Meets admission standards; solid GPA/test | No | Yes—satisfactory progress | ~3.0–3.2 GPA, broad admit range[web:549][web:546] | March 31 |
GPA and test benchmarks are estimates based on UMassD publications and recent cohorts. Actual cutoffs may vary year to year. March 31 is the typical application date for merit scholarship consideration, but awards may be available beyond this on a rolling basis as funding permits.
FAQ
Do I need to apply separately? No—all admitted students are automatically considered.
Are test scores required? UMass Dartmouth is test-optional; high scores can only help.
Does UMass Dartmouth superscore? Yes—both SAT and ACT scores are superscored.
Can merit stack with NEBHE/Direct rates? Usually not—most students receive just the larger of the two discounts.
How do I renew? Keep a 2.75–3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment.
https://www.umassd.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://www.umassd.edu/undergraduate-admissions/requirements/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
UMass Dartmouth’s most prestigious award is the Founders’ Scholarship—a true full ride for top Massachusetts residents. Unlike automatic merit, this scholarship requires a separate application, nomination, and essay. Only a small number of students are chosen each year, making it highly selective.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founders’ Scholarship | Full ride (tuition, fees, housing, meals for 4 years) | MA residents; weighted 4.0 GPA; 1200 SAT/25 ACT if testing (test-optional OK); must live on campus and serve as an admissions ambassador | Yes – transcript, essay, résumé, and nomination required | Yes—renewable for 4 years with a 3.0+ GPA and full-time status | Only 5–10 students win each year; winners have 4.0 GPAs, leadership, exceptional service | December 6 |
FAQ
How many students typically win?
Only 5–10 per year—making this one of the state’s most competitive public full rides.
Is it tied to the Honors College?
No, but many winners are also invited to Honors. The award is based on GPA, service, nomination, and an essay.
What’s required to apply?
A transcript, résumé, school administrator nomination form, and an essay.
Can it stack with other aid?
No—it’s a full ride that replaces all other UMassD merit aid. Need-based financial aid (like Pell Grants) can still offset supplemental costs.
https://www.umassd.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/founders
🎖️ Honors College
UMass Dartmouth’s Honors College is a small, supportive community for curious, high-achieving students. Admission is by application (not automatic) and typically requires short essays after you apply to UMassD—plan ahead for early-spring deadlines.
~3.7+ HS GPA • strong writing • AP/IB/Honors rigor • leadership/service on campus or in the community.
- Priority registration and small, discussion-based seminars
- Honors housing options and a close-knit cohort
- Faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and a capstone/thesis
- Access to funding for research, conferences, and travel
Honors-Specific Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaukat Ali Memorial Humanitarian | $500–$1,500 | Honors students; service, compassion, goodwill | Yes | Yes | Service-driven leaders | March 1 |
| Margaret M. Panos Honors Essay Award | $500–$1,000 | All Honors; essay competition | Yes (essay) | No (one-time) | Strong writers | April 15 |
| Nunes-Mello Family Scholarship | $1,000–$2,000/yr | Incoming Honors freshmen; Accounting/Finance + need | Yes | Up to 4 years | Business-minded Honors students | March 1 (FAFSA deadline) |
| Ruth & Dean Cassell Scholarship | $500–$1,500 | Honors students; varsity athlete background + need | Yes | Yes (if criteria/standing maintained) | Student-athlete leaders | April 1 (FAFSA + Cassell app) |
FAQ
Is Honors admission automatic with high grades? No—there’s a separate application with essays.
Does Honors add time to graduation? No. With planning, Honors fits within four years.
When do I apply? Typically by early February for fall entry—check the Honors College site for up-to-date deadlines.
Are there extra dollars for Honors students? Yes—targeted awards like Ali, Panos, Nunes-Mello, and Cassell provide additional support beyond university-wide merit.
https://www.umassd.edu/honors-college/scholarships/
https://umassd.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/
https://www.umassd.edu/arc/trio/
⭐ College Specialties
If you’re looking for a university that tackles real-world problems while offering career-ready credentials, UMass Dartmouth is a standout. You’ll find nationally recognized strengths in marine science, nursing, business, computer science, psychology, and online learning—all built on an R2 research foundation. (Research designation: high activity—in “Doctoral Universities: High research activity” category, per Carnegie.)
UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science & Technology (SMAST) is a world-class ocean research leader—an international draw, especially in climate change, offshore wind, fisheries management, and coastal systems. Notable as the region’s go-to graduate-level marine science center.
- Undergraduate Computer Science: Ranked in the top 21% nationally—#126 out of 584—making it 3rd among public universities in New England and 2nd in Massachusetts.
- Psychology (Undergrad): Ranked in the top 25% nationwide—#164—tied for 5th among New England publics and 3rd in Massachusetts.
- Nursing (BSN): One of the top 10% of programs nationally—#74 out of 686—also highly effective at launching graduates into jobs or grad school (96% placement).
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): #76 in the U.S.—second-highest among Massachusetts institutions and on par with top New England publics.
- Online Education: UMassD ranks in the top 25% overall for online bachelor’s programs—#81 nationally—and among the top 5% of online undergraduate business programs (#10).
- Charlton College of Business: AACSB-accredited—a marker of elite business schools, and the only one in southeastern Massachusetts.