University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the College Scholarships Hub
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, especially for first-generation families. This guide walks you through what UMass Dartmouth really costs and what kinds of scholarships and tuition breaks are available. If you’re a Massachusetts family, be sure to also check our Massachusetts state aid guide for extra options that can stack with UMassD awards.
💰 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).
Regional/Proximity Tuition Options (Big Savings vs. Out-of-State)
- 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.
✅ 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship | $6,000–$12,000/year | Strong high school GPA and test scores (if submitted); open to in-state and out-of-state students | No | Yes – must maintain ~3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment | Typically students with a 3.7+ GPA and 1200+ SAT / 25+ ACT. *Estimate based on past recipient data* |
| Dean’s Merit Scholarship | $2,500–$6,000/year | Solid academic record; considered for most admits who rank above average in GPA/test profile | No | Yes – must maintain ~2.75 GPA and full-time enrollment | Students in roughly the 3.3–3.6 GPA range, often with 1050–1190 SAT or 22–24 ACT. *Estimate* |
| University Merit Award | $1,000–$3,000/year | Awarded to admitted students who meet baseline admission standards and show solid GPA | No | Yes – renewable with satisfactory progress | Broad group; often 3.0–3.2 GPA range, with or without test scores. *Estimate* |
Note: GPA and test score cutoffs are approximate when not explicitly stated by UMass Dartmouth. These estimates are based on prior award ranges and published student profile data. Actual thresholds may shift year to year depending on the applicant pool and funding.
FAQ
Do I need to apply separately? No, all admitted students are automatically considered.
Are test scores required? UMass Dartmouth is test-optional; submitting high scores can strengthen merit aid consideration but is not mandatory.
Does UMass Dartmouth superscore? Yes. UMassD superscores SAT and ACT for both admission and scholarship consideration.
Can merit stack with NEBHE or UMassD Direct discounts? Usually not. Students pay the lower of the two rates (merit or reduced tuition program), but cannot combine both.
What’s the renewal requirement? Generally, maintaining a 2.75–3.0 GPA and full-time status each year.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
UMass Dartmouth’s most prestigious award is the Founders’ Scholarship—a true full ride. Unlike automatic merit, this scholarship requires a separate application, nomination, and an 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founders’ Scholarship | Full ride (tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals for 4 years) | Massachusetts residents with weighted 4.0 GPA; 1200 SAT / 25 ACT if testing, but test-optional applicants also considered. Must live on campus and serve as an admissions ambassador. | Yes – requires transcript, essay, extracurricular résumé, and nomination form (typically due by Feb 1) | Yes – renewable for 4 years with full-time status and ~3.0 GPA | Only ~5–10 recipients are chosen annually from a large applicant pool. Winners typically show 4.0 GPAs, rigorous coursework, leadership, and strong community/service involvement in addition to academics. |
FAQ
How many students win? Only a handful—usually 5 to 10 each year—making it one of the most competitive scholarships in Massachusetts.
Is it tied to the Honors College? No. Many winners are also invited to Honors, but the Founders’ Scholarship is a separate award open to high-achieving applicants who meet the GPA/test criteria.
What’s required to apply? A separate application, short essay, activity list, transcript, and a nomination form from a school administrator.
Can it stack with other aid? The scholarship is a full ride covering tuition, fees, housing, and meals—so it replaces other merit or tuition discounts. Additional need-based aid (like Pell Grants) may be applied to indirect costs such as books or travel.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaukat Ali Memorial Humanitarian | $500–$1,500 | Honors students Service, compassion, goodwill |
Yes | Yes | Service-driven leaders |
| Margaret M. Panos Honors Essay Award | $500–$1,000 | All Honors; essay competition | Yes (essay) | No (one-time) | Strong writers |
| Nunes-Mello Family Scholarship | $1,000–$2,000/yr | Incoming Honors freshmen Accounting/Finance + need |
Yes | Up to 4 yrs | Business-minded Honors students |
| Ruth & Dean Cassell Scholarship | $500–$1,500 | Honors students Varsity athlete background + need |
Yes | Yes (criteria/standing) | Student-athlete leaders |
FAQ
Is Honors admission automatic with high grades? No—there is a separate application with short essays.
Does Honors add time to graduate? No. With planning, Honors fits within four years.
When do I apply? Typically early February for fall entry—check the Honors site each year for exact dates.
Are there extra dollars for Honors students? Yes—targeted awards like Ali Memorial, Panos Essay, Nunes-Mello, and Cassell provide additional support beyond university-wide merit.
🔗 Official Links
✨ Final Thoughts
Navigating costs and scholarships at UMass Dartmouth doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Between automatic merit, selective full rides like the Founders’, hidden gems such as STEM Promise, and targeted Honors awards, families have multiple ways to make this education affordable. Add in regional tuition breaks through NEBHE, and many students find that a strong academic profile plus careful planning can dramatically reduce the sticker price.
Remember: every scholarship has its own fine print—deadlines, GPA requirements, and stacking rules. Mark your calendar early and encourage your student to aim high. Even if they don’t land the top award, there are plenty of pathways here to help lighten the load.
✅ Last updated: August 29, 2025