University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 18, 2026
What This Page Covers:- 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: ~89%
- Middle 50% ACT: 24
- Middle 50% SAT: 1160
- Average GPA: 3.55
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📌 University of Massachusetts Dartmouth at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (University Commonwealth Scholarship & Founders’ Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$17,093/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
Check college site
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
16 opportunities
4 automatic · 1 competitive · 4 hidden gem · 7 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 2.7+; ACT 20+ / SAT 1000+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 15 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
University Commonwealth Scholarship & Founders’ Scholarship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (Read This First)
- The full-tuition Chancellor’s Scholarship is highly competitive—strong grades help, but it’s not something to count on.
- NEBHE tuition discounts only apply to specific majors—families often assume it covers everything, but eligibility depends on the program.
- Applying Early Action (Nov 15) matters more than most families realize—later applications can reduce access to top merit awards.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 24; SAT: 1160.
Average net price? About $17,093/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in NEBHE.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 2026-2027
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 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) |
$16,233 |
$33,782 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$19,132 |
$19,132 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$35,365 |
$52,914 |
Average Federal Net Price: $17,093 — 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.
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.
Sources:
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.
Full TuitionAutomatic
University Commonwealth Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling — follows the general freshman admission deadline.
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition and mandatory fees
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.8+ GPA✎ ~32 ACT✎ ~1450 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Renewal here is stricter than the other automatic tiers: 30 day credits per academic year (15 fall + 15 spring) and a 3.25 cumulative GPA. Miss either bar and the award is permanently forfeited — so this is the one to put on the family calendar at every semester check-in.
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers mandatory tuition and fees for four years — not housing or meals. It functions as a near-automatic flagship for top MA residents and stacks well with the UMass Dartmouth Deal and other need-based aid for families who also qualify.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Exceptionally strong Massachusetts residents — think top 5% of their high school class OR a 3.75+ weighted GPA after seven semesters, paired with a 1450 SAT / 32 ACT (or the old-SAT 1400) and a real track record of activities and leadership. This is essentially UMassD's full-tuition automatic flagship for in-state kids.
Automatic
Chancellor’s Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling — follows the general freshman admission deadline.
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.8+ GPA✎ ~25 ACT✎ ~1200 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
To keep this award, your student needs to stay full-time at 12 day credits per semester, hit 24 day credits across the academic year, and hold a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Drop below any of those and the scholarship is permanently forfeited — so this is one to flag at every advising check-in.
💡
Strategic Detail
The top standard automatic merit award for first-year day students. FAFSA isn't required for the merit dollars but filing it opens the door to additional need-based and donor scholarships layered on top.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top-tier automatic admits who clear either a 3.8 GPA OR a 1200 SAT / 25 ACT. UMassD only requires one of the two, so a strong transcript can carry a student even if testing came in soft — and vice versa. This is the highest standard automatic award before you get into the MA-residents-only Commonwealth tier.
Automatic
Dean’s Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling — follows the general freshman admission deadline.
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.4+ GPA✎ ~22 ACT✎ ~1100 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
To keep this award, your student needs to stay full-time at 12 day credits per semester, hit 24 day credits across the academic year, and hold a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Drop below any of those and the scholarship is permanently forfeited — so this is one to flag at every advising check-in.
💡
Strategic Detail
Middle tier of UMassD's automatic merit ladder for first-year day students. Filing the FAFSA isn't required for this merit piece but is worth doing to unlock additional layered need-based aid.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Above-average admits in the 3.4–3.7 GPA range or 1100–1190 SAT / 22–24 ACT — either threshold qualifies, so this catches the broad middle of UMassD's admitted class. Award sits between the Admissions Award and the Chancellor's tier.
Automatic
Admissions Award
📅 Deadline: Rolling — follows the general freshman admission deadline.
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 2.7+ GPA✎ ~20 ACT✎ ~1000 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
To keep this award, your student needs to stay full-time at 12 day credits per semester, hit 24 day credits across the academic year, and hold a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Drop below any of those and the scholarship is permanently forfeited — so this is one to flag at every advising check-in.
💡
Strategic Detail
Base entry-level automatic merit award for first-year day students. FAFSA isn't required for the merit piece, but filing it unlocks consideration for additional need-based and donor scholarships — a low-friction win.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Solid admits who clear either a 2.7 GPA OR a 1000 SAT / 20 ACT — UMassD only needs one of the two, which is parent-friendly news for kids whose transcript and test score don't line up perfectly. Award amounts here run smaller than the Dean's or Chancellor's tiers.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
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.
Full RideApp Required
Founders’ Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Application typically opens in fall and closes in early December; finalists selected in January, two recipients announced in mid-February. · 📢 Results: Mid-February
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
full ride (tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals, health plan)
✘ Not stackable
🏫 4.0+ GPA✎ ~25 ACT✎ ~1200 SAT👥 ~2 per year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is a layered award — any outside grants and scholarships are applied first, then Founders' fills the gap on tuition, mandatory fees, a standard double room, the unlimited meal plan, and even the state-required health plan if your student isn't covered elsewhere. The trade-off: your student must live on campus and serve as an admissions ambassador all four years.
📄
How to Apply
Two-step process: first apply for admission to UMassD, then complete the dedicated Founders' Scholarship application through the UMassD applicant portal. The application bundle includes the high school transcript, a short essay on candidacy, an activities/accomplishments list, and a nomination form completed by a school administrator (UMassD emails the nomination link directly to the administrator).
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
UMassD's flagship competitive full-ride for Massachusetts residents — two winners per cycle. Beyond the financial value, recipients become the public face of UMassD admissions, which is a meaningful résumé line in itself. Not covered by the award: enrollment deposit, housing deposit, books, parking, the orientation and graduation fees, MASSPIRG (waivable), and any fines.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Two Massachusetts residents per year with a 4.0 weighted GPA, strong testing (1200+ SAT / 25+ ACT, or a credible test-optional profile), and genuine leadership and service depth — not just stats. UMassD explicitly invites borderline candidates to apply and lets the admissions team reach out to counselors to confirm fit, so don't self-select out if your student is close.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
https://www.umassd.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/founders
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships & Programs
These targeted awards and programs may not be front-and-center, but they offer meaningful support—some need-based, some identity- or program-specific. Families should consider these in addition to merit-based aid.
App Required⚠ Transfer Only
Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Oct 15 (fall); Mar 1 (spring)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 3 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 Transfer
📄
How to Apply
Submit PTK Membership Certificate after admission as full-time transfer.
Selection criteria: Campus engagement and academic standing reviewed.
💡
Strategic Detail
For AA/AS graduates; total of up to 3 years funding for full-time, high GPA transfers.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top transfer students active in PTK honor society
Full RideApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC (with Providence College)
📅 Deadline: Jan 10 (HS senior initial); rolling for in-college applicants
✓ Renews
Full Ride
tuition, room/board, stipend
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Apply via ROTC national process; selection based on physical, academic, and leadership criteria.
Selection criteria: Physical, academic, and leadership standards required.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
ROTC Patriot Battalion; scholarships merit and leadership-based, includes stipends/benefits. 401-865-2471 for details.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Merit-based, military-focused students meeting ROTC requirements
Full TuitionAutomaticgeographicneed_based
The UMass Dartmouth Deal
📅 Deadline: June 1 (FAFSA/MASFA)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition and mandatory fees
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Last‑dollar style program for Massachusetts residents with family income ≤$75,000 that guarantees free UMass Dartmouth tuition and mandatory fees but not housing or meals.
🏫 2.7+ GPA
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers tuition and mandatory fees for up to 4 years; student responsible for housing, meals, and other costs.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
1,500+ annual in-state high-need students
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Collegiate DECA Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Jan 9 (national deadline)
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Apply through DECA portal; active UMassD chapter membership required.
Selection criteria: Professional involvement and leadership in DECA.
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes national and chapter-level awards and internships.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Engaged, business-focused DECA students
App Required
TRiO Student Support Services
📅 Deadline: Aug 21 (apply early, limited spaces)
✓ Renews
Holistic / Status Based
📄
How to Apply
Apply for TRIO via ARC; eligibility for Pell-eligible, first-gen, disabled 1st/2nd years. Possible supplemental grant aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes coaching, advising, and potential for supplemental grant aid; strict eligibility by federal guidelines.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Neediest undergrads seeking support and retention services
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
FAQ
What’s the UMass Dartmouth Deal? Covers tuition & fees for low-income MA residents (Pell-eligible, AGI ≤ $75K); just file your FAFSA/MASFA by June 1.
How does Army ROTC work? Awarded through the Providence-based “Patriot Battalion”; national and in-college opportunties.
Does TRiO offer grant aid? Yes—some SSS participants get extra Pell/SEOG grant support.
PTK transfer award is automatic? Yes, for eligible active members who submit the certificate and maintain GPA.
Do DECA scholarships vary? Yes—application deadlines and amounts vary by year and chapter participation.
Sources:
https://www.umassd.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://www.umassd.edu/deal/
https://www.umassd.edu/rotc/
https://www.umassd.edu/arc/trio/
https://www.umassd.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/transfer-students/
https://www.deca.org/scholarships/
🎖️ 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.
What a Typical UMassD Honors Student Looks Like
~3.7+ HS GPA • strong writing • AP/IB/Honors rigor • leadership/service on campus or in the community.
Perks That Matter
- 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
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Shaukat Ali Memorial Humanitarian Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Typically early spring (the Honors office posts the active call each cycle on the Corsair Scholarship Portal).
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA)
🏫 3.2+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Renewal hinges on staying in good Honors standing and keeping up the service and community involvement that earned the award in the first place.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Corsair Scholarship Portal once your student is enrolled as a full-time Honors College student. The application asks them to demonstrate the kind of qualities the award honors — service, compassion, humility, and goodwill across communities.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
One of the signature Honors College awards — highlighted by UMassD as a flagship humanitarian scholarship. Available to any full-time Honors student, including continuing upperclassmen.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students with a track record of service and volunteerism who genuinely embody the qualities the scholarship honors — honesty, hard work, compassion, humility, and goodwill across faiths, ethnicities, and nationalities. Academic promise matters, but this is one of the few UMassD awards where character and community impact carry as much weight as GPA.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Margaret M. Panos Honors Essay Award
📅 Deadline: Per the active Honors essay competition call posted on the Corsair Scholarship Portal.
Non-Renewable
👥 ~3 per year (top 3 essays) winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award credits the student's fall semester charges — or refunds out as cash if the winner is a graduating senior with no outstanding balance. Stacking-friendly because it's a one-time prize, not an enrollment-tied award.
📄
How to Apply
Open to all enrolled Honors College students in good standing — submit the essay through the Corsair Scholarship Portal during the active call window. The top three submissions receive awards.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
One of the most accessible Honors awards — no GPA gate, no need component, no demographic filter. Three winners per cycle, with the award credited toward fall semester charges.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: The top three essay submissions from any enrolled Honors student in good standing — a rare UMassD award where strong writing alone, not GPA or financial need, determines the winner. Great fit for English, philosophy, history, or any Honors student who loves to write.
App Required
Blue & Gold Scholarship: Nunes-Mello Family Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Roughly aligned with the early March FAFSA filing deadline; check the active Honors cycle call.
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.2+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Follows the student for up to four years toward the first bachelor's degree as long as four boxes are checked annually: full-time day enrollment, 3.2+ cumulative GPA, FAFSA filed by March 1, and active participation in the donor mentorship program. Layers cleanly on top of automatic merit and other need-based aid.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Corsair Scholarship Portal as an incoming Honors freshman in accounting or finance. The FAFSA must be on file by early March, and recipients agree to participate in an in-person mentorship program with the donor throughout the award years.
💡
Strategic Detail
Part of UMassD's Blue & Gold donor-scholarship lineup. Strong fit for need-eligible Charlton College of Business admits with a clear accounting or finance focus going into freshman year. Donor: Mary Louise Nunes.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Incoming Honors freshmen majoring in accounting or finance who can demonstrate financial need on the FAFSA. The mentorship piece is unusual and meaningful — the donor commits to in-person connection across the four years, which is a real career-network advantage for a business major.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Ruth & Dean Cassell Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Per the active Honors call posted on the Corsair Scholarship Portal.
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA)
🏫 3.2+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
An award does not automatically renew — recipients reapply each cycle, and renewal isn't guaranteed even if eligibility continues. Plan financial aid as if it's a single-year award and treat any renewal as a bonus.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Corsair Scholarship Portal as a full-time Honors student. Application asks for evidence of a high school varsity sport plus the leadership or service involvement that gives the donor preference — student government, RA, orientation leader, or substantial financial need.
💡
Strategic Detail
Honors award designed for the student-leader profile — someone who balanced varsity athletics with team and community involvement in high school and is carrying that profile forward into college. Renewal is at the donor's discretion, not automatic.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students who played a varsity sport in high school AND bring at least one of these on top: clear leadership (student government, RA, orientation team), strong teamwork credentials, or substantial demonstrated financial need. The varsity-athlete piece is required — the other categories give the donor preference.
App Required⚠ Junior Only
Louise A. Habicht University Honors Program Senior Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Spring of junior year (per the active Honors cycle call).
Non-Renewable
🎓 Junior
✚
Stacking & Combining
Single-year senior award — not renewable by design. Layers on top of standard automatic merit and the Commonwealth Scholarship without conflict.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Corsair Scholarship Portal during junior spring. Recipients must be on track to graduate the following academic year and working on their APEX (senior thesis) project at UMass Dartmouth.
💡
Strategic Detail
Awarded in spring of junior year for use during senior year. Specifically tied to the APEX (Honors thesis) project — a strong fit for any Honors student already committed to that capstone path.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors juniors in good academic standing who plan to complete their APEX (Honors senior thesis) at UMassD and graduate the following year. This is essentially a thesis-stage award designed to support the most ambitious senior year of an Honors student's program.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Rick Pitino Presidential Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Per the active Honors cycle call posted on the Corsair Scholarship Portal.
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Recipients may apply for renewal, but UMassD is explicit that the original award does not imply continuation beyond a single year — budget accordingly and treat year-two as a fresh application.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Corsair Scholarship Portal as a full-time Honors College student. UMassD doesn't publish a specific GPA gate — the award is at the donor's and Honors College's discretion.
💡
Strategic Detail
One of two presidential-named Honors awards (alongside the John Smith Presidential). Single-year by default with reapplication-based renewal — plan family financial aid as a one-year award unless and until renewal is confirmed.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Full-time Honors College students at the Honors office's and donor's discretion. UMassD doesn't publish specific academic thresholds, so a complete application and a strong Honors track record matter more than chasing a number.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
John Smith Presidential Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Per the active Honors cycle call posted on the Corsair Scholarship Portal.
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Renewable in principle, but UMassD is explicit that the original award does not imply continuation beyond a single year — plan the budget as a one-year award unless renewal is confirmed.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Corsair Scholarship Portal as a full-time Honors College student and Massachusetts resident in good academic standing.
💡
Strategic Detail
One of two presidential-named Honors awards (alongside the Rick Pitino Presidential), with an added MA-residency requirement. Single-year by default with reapplication-based renewal.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Full-time Honors College students who are Massachusetts residents and in good academic standing. UMassD doesn't publish a specific GPA threshold, so the strength of the overall Honors record and application matters more than chasing a number. Donor: John Smith.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
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.)
Spotlight: Marine Science & Technology (SMAST)
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.
✨ 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.
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