University of Massachusetts Boston Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 7, 2026- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships for in-state and out-of-state students
- Competitive awards and hidden-gem opportunities
- Honors College benefits and stacking strategies
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~81%
- Middle 50% ACT: 21–27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1040–1280
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.3–3.9
Source: University of Massachusetts Boston Common Data Set 2024–25 and BigFuture overview. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UMass Boston at a Glance
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.
https://admissions.umb.edu/costs-aid/scholarships
https://finaid.umb.edu/scholarships
https://admissions.umb.edu/academics/honors-college
https://www.nebhe.org/tuitionbreak/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-university-search/university-of-massachusetts-boston
💰 Cost of Attendance at 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 the university releases official 2026–2027 numbers.
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.
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $16,558 | $39,365 |
| Housing & Meals | $19,578 | $19,578 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $36,136 | $58,943 |
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
| 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 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
| 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.
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
| 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).
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