University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Scholarships (2026–2027)
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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: ~89%
- Middle 50% ACT: 24
- Middle 50% SAT: 1160
- Average GPA: 3.55
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Massachusetts Dartmouth at a Glance
- 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/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in NEBHE.
Founders’ Scholarship Site: https://www.umassd.edu/financialaid/scholarships/founders/
Admissions Merit Scholarships: https://www.umassd.edu/financialaid/scholarships/admissions-scholarships/
Honors Scholarships: https://www.umassd.edu/honors/honors-scholarships/
UMassD Scholarships portal: https://umassd.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/Scholarships/Search
UMassD PTK Transfer Scholarship: https://www.umassd.edu/financialaid/scholarships/ptk/
DECA Scholarships overview: https://www.deca.org/collegescholarships
ARC/TRIO SSS overview: https://catalog.umassd.edu/content.php?catoid=39&navoid=2929
The UMass Dartmouth Deal | Office of Admissions: https://www.umassd.edu/deal/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 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) | $16,233 | $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.
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.
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.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
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
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.