University of Massachusetts Lowell Scholarships (2025–2026)

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If your student is aiming for a strong public option in New England, UMass Lowell can be a smart, affordable pick—especially if you compare real costs (not just sticker price) and line up merit and niche awards. This guide breaks down the numbers, the automatic vs. competitive scholarships, and the extras parents often miss. New to Massachusetts aid? Start with our plain‑English state guide at Massachusetts State Aidpage, then come back here to map out your UMass Lowell plan.

💰 Cost of Attendance
✅ Automatic Merit
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
💎 Hidden Gems
⭐ College Specialty
🎖️ Honors College

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Massachusetts Lowell

Category	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees	$16,758	$34,550
Housing & Meals	$16,350	$16,350
Total (Estimated)	$33,108	$50,900

📊 Average Net Price: $18,047 per year (after financial aid, federal data).

UMass Lowell participates in the New England Regional Student Program (NERSP), which gives qualified out-of-state students from neighboring states a significant tuition discount (typically 175% of in-state tuition instead of full out-of-state rates).

These estimates include only tuition, mandatory fees, and standard housing/meal plans. Books, transportation, and personal expenses add several thousand dollars per year to the total cost. Families should also keep in mind that financial aid packages—including merit scholarships, need-based grants, and federal/state aid—can substantially lower the final price.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

UMass Lowell does not publish any clear, tiered automatic merit scholarship charts or GPA/test score cutoffs for 2025–2026. The university’s scholarship information focuses on competitive and donor-based awards, and no official details exist for guaranteed amounts based solely on admission credentials. Because of this, families should not assume an automatic merit award will be granted upon acceptance.

Important: Without published automatic merit criteria, any awards are determined case-by-case through the general admissions review and may vary year-to-year. Students should complete their application by priority deadlines and submit all supporting materials to maximize consideration.

No public automatic merit data found after deep search of official UMass Lowell financial aid, admissions, and scholarship pages for 2025–2026.

FAQ

Do I need to apply separately for automatic merit? No separate application has been indicated, but no guaranteed award program is published.

Does UMass Lowell superscore the SAT/ACT? Yes, the school superscores both exams for admissions purposes; however, no automatic merit policy tied to superscoring is listed.

Can automatic merit stack with the NE Regional tuition rate? Not specified—families should confirm with the Office of Financial Aid before assuming awards can be combined.

✅ Competitive Scholarships

UMass Lowell awards several admission-based scholarships to first-year students with no separate application. Awards are limited and tied to Early Action timelines; renewal typically requires full-time enrollment and a minimum 3.000 GPA.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility (Plain English)	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Chancellor’s Scholarship (MA Residents)	Full tuition & mandatory fees (annual)	Select number of top admitted Massachusetts residents. Must apply by Early Action deadline.	No (automatic with admission review; Early Action required)	Yes — min 3.000 GPA, full-time, max 8 semesters	*Estimated: unweighted 3.9–4.0; very strong rigor; top 5% profile; testing optional accepted; strong SAT/ACT superscore can help borderline GPA applicants.
Dean’s Scholarship Program	Up to half of tuition & mandatory fees (annual)	Select number of admitted first-year students with high academic achievement. Early Action application required for consideration.	No (automatic with admission review; Early Action required)	Yes — min 3.000 GPA, full-time, max 8 semesters	*Estimated: unweighted 3.7–3.95; strong AP/IB/dual-credit rigor; solid leadership/service; SAT/ACT superscores may raise award tier.
Out-of-State, National & International Merit	$5,000–$20,000 per year	First-time, first-year out-of-state and international admits of exceptional merit; holistic review.	No	Yes — min 3.000 GPA, full-time, max 8 semesters	*Estimated: unweighted 3.6–3.95; strong rigor; notable activities; testing optional accepted; superscored SAT/ACT can boost merit level.
New England Regional Merit (NEBHE Tuition Break residents)	Up to half of the NE Regional tuition rate (annual)	Residents of RI, CT, NH, ME, or VT who qualify for the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break and are admitted with exceptional merit.	No	Yes — min 3.000 GPA, full-time, max 8 semesters	*Estimated: unweighted 3.6–3.9; solid rigor; strong overall application; superscored SAT/ACT scores can help reach higher award level. Confirm stacking with NEBHE discount.
Mid-Atlantic Regional Awards (NY, NJ, PA)	$6,400–$20,400 per year	First-time, first-year students from NY, NJ, or PA; 3.000+ HS GPA noted; open to all majors. Considered automatically for merit.	No	Yes — min 3.000 GPA, full-time, max 8 semesters	*Estimated: unweighted 3.4–3.9; solid rigor; strong activities; superscored SAT/ACT can bump award range.

Range note: Amounts vary year-to-year based on the applicant pool and funding. Where GPA/test bands aren’t published, we provide *estimates to help parents set expectations; confirm details with UMass Lowell.

Deadlines matter: Apply by Early Action to maximize automatic merit consideration — Early Action I: Nov 5; Early Action II: Jan 15; Regular Decision: Feb 15.

FAQ

Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application? No — the scholarships above are awarded through the admission review; some require applying by Early Action to be considered.

Does UMass Lowell superscore the SAT/ACT? Yes. UML takes the highest section scores from multiple test dates to create the best composite for both admission and merit award review. This can raise a student’s award tier if submitted scores are stronger than GPA alone.

Test-optional applicants: UMass Lowell is test-optional; students can be considered for merit scholarships without SAT/ACT scores. Submitting strong superscored results can help if GPA is borderline for a higher award.

Can these stack with NEBHE Tuition Break or other awards? Stacking isn’t fully published. The NE Regional merit line appears “in addition to” the NEBHE tuition rate, but always confirm stacking/limits with The Solution Center.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These awards don’t always show up on the main scholarship charts, but they can still make a real difference in covering costs. They’re often tied to specific identities, activities, or programs — and can be layered with other aid in many cases.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Immersive Scholars (experiential award)	Up to $4,000 (sophomore year window)	Pre-selected Early Action merit admittees; used for research, community work, or approved international experience	No (awarded through admission review)	No	High-achieving freshmen selected in admissions; must maintain the GPA stated in their merit award letter
UROC Undergraduate Research Stipend	$4,000 stipend	Undergrads hired to work on a faculty-supervised research or creative project (all majors)	Yes — UROC/JobHawk placement	No (apply each cycle)	Students who secure a mentor and defined project plan; steady progress and hours tracking required
Study Abroad – Departmental Scholarship	$300–$1,000 (typical) Range based on Study Abroad office’s internal award band	Approved semester/summer program; good academic standing (baseline ≥2.0; stronger GPAs favored)	Yes — River Hawk Scholarship Portal	No	Students who choose an approved program and submit a short application/statement; earlier applicants do better
Rist Institute for Sustainability & Energy (RISE) Undergraduate Fellows	$5,000 project/fellowship support	Undergrads proposing a sustainability/energy project with a UML faculty mentor	Yes — RISE fellowship application	No	Students with a feasible sustainability project, clear timeline/budget, and faculty endorsement
Moloney Scholar (unpaid internship support)	Up to $2,500 (paid at $16.75/hr via payroll)	Full-time students who secure an unpaid internship in a non-profit or government agency (or approved on-campus unit)	Yes — Career & Co-op application	No	Students with a confirmed unpaid internship and supervisor; strong fit to career goals wins
Learning in Retirement Association (LIRA) Scholarships	$2,000 each (5 awards/year)	Full-time juniors or seniors; community service/extracurricular involvement; ≥3.00 GPA	Yes — LIRA online form (fall)	No (awarded for spring term)	Civic-minded upper-division students with documented service and ≥3.0 GPA
Resident Advisor (RA) Benefits	Housing waiver (single room) + meal plan	Hired RA student leaders living on campus; must maintain ≥2.50 cumulative GPA and good conduct standing	Yes — Residence Life selection	Yes (if reappointed)	Students with campus involvement, conflict-resolution skills, and ≥2.5 GPA
Mathematics — Prof. Bernard & Yana Shapiro Endowed Scholarship	$1,000 (annual)	Mathematics or Applied Mathematics majors; merit-based	Yes — department/portal	No	Math majors with strong grades in the major and faculty support
Art & Design — Department/Donor Scholarship (juried)	$1,000 (annual)	Art & Design undergrads; award tied to juried student work/portfolio	Yes — departmental process	No	Students submitting standout work selected by faculty/jury
History Department Named Scholarships (O’Leary, Goodwin, Zamanakos, DeMaille)	$1,000–$1,500 (typical) Range published by the department	History majors; annual spring application	Yes — departmental form (early April)	No	History majors in good standing; faculty committee selects based on achievement & engagement
DC-CAP Scholars Program (for Washington, DC CAP alumni)	Covers a portion to all of tuition + base meal plan + rate A housing (case-by-case)	Students who participated in DC College Access Program in high school; FAFSA + FERPA on file; good standing	Yes — program onboarding	Yes (while eligible/in good standing)	DC-CAP alumni who engage with the cohort and meet ongoing academic requirements
Army ROTC Scholarships	Up to full tuition & fees or room & board + book stipend + monthly allowance	Students enrolled in UMass Lowell’s Army ROTC program; must meet physical, academic, and service requirements	Yes — via Army ROTC application/board process	Yes — maintain academic, fitness, and program participation standards	Motivated students committed to military service after graduation, with solid academics and fitness readiness
UMass Lowell Study Abroad Scholarships	$500–$1,000	Undergraduates participating in an approved study abroad program through the UMass Lowell Office of Study Abroad & International Experiences	Yes — short application through the Study Abroad Office	No — one-time award	Students with strong academic standing who plan and commit to an approved international program
Departmental & Endowed Scholarships	$500–$5,000	Varies by department; often based on major, GPA, or special interests (e.g., engineering, music, nursing)	Yes — apply through the UMass Lowell Scholarship Portal	Varies — many renewable with GPA requirements	Students active in their department with strong academic records and faculty recommendations

FAQ

Can I stack these with automatic or competitive scholarships? Usually yes, but check for departmental or ROTC-specific limits.

Do I have to be in a certain year to apply? Some are open to first-years, others require sophomore or junior standing — read each award’s rules.

Are these need-based? Some are; others are purely merit or participation-based.

⭐ College Specialty

UMass Lowell’s standout specialty: The **Plastics (Polymer) Engineering** program is consistently ranked among the nation’s top. It’s the #1 in Massachusetts and #2 nationwide in College Factual’s rankings for polymer & plastics engineering bachelor’s programs. This program is also the **first and largest ABET-accredited Plastics Engineering program in the U.S.**, giving students a powerful head start in this niche field.
Source: College Factual ranks, “Polymer & Plastics Engineering” (#2 national, #1 in MA) and UMass Lowell Plastics Engineering site (first/largest ABET-accredited program)

In addition to plastics engineering, UMass Lowell is also well-known for several other high-impact programs and areas that matter in the job market and student opportunities:

Engineering (General): The Francis College of Engineering is ranked among the top 100 in the U.S. News & World Report Best Engineering Schools (No. 97 tied). It powers high-impact R&D and hands-on training. (Source: U.S. News ranking: #97 for Best Engineering Schools)
Online Bachelor’s Programs: Ranked #28 nationwide, and the best among Greater Boston institutions—particularly strong in Psychology and Business concentrations online. (Source: UMass Lowell blog summarizing U.S. News)}})
Scientific Research & Innovation: As an R1 university, UML leads with real-world research impact—programs like the Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology (CubeSat initiatives with NASA) drive its reputation for applied innovation. (Source: Wikipedia: Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology NASA CubeSat partnership)
Athletics (Ice Hockey): The River Hawks are a three-time Hockey East champion and made UMass Lowell’s first Frozen Four appearance in 2013, with repeat success in 2014 and 2017—putting UML on the NCAA Division I hockey map. (Source: Wikipedia: River Hawks hockey achievements)
Public Value & ROI: UMass Lowell ranks as the #1 public university in New England for starting/mid-career salaries and graduates see one of the highest returns on their college investment. (Source: Massachusetts.edu campus profile ROI rank)

🎖️ UMass Lowell Honors College

The UMass Lowell Honors College gives high-achieving students access to smaller classes, priority registration, faculty mentoring, and special funding for research, travel, and creative work. Admission is selective — you won’t be placed in Honors automatically unless you’re invited based on your admission review, but there are clear ways to apply if you’re not in that first group.

What a Typical UMass Lowell Honors Student Looks Like:
GPA: 3.8–4.0, unweighted
Test Scores (if submitted): SAT 1340–1450; ACT 29–34*
Coursework: Several AP/IB/dual-enrollment classes, especially in the intended major area
Outside the Classroom: Leadership in clubs, sports, or service; strong essays; significant academic or creative projects
Background: Many are first-gen or come from diverse backgrounds; students slightly below the GPA range may still be admitted with exceptional achievements.
*Estimates based on past admitted student profiles; UML does not publish official test score ranges for Honors.

Perks that Matter:

Priority course registration
Dedicated Honors housing
Faculty mentorship and thesis/project guidance
Access to special funding for research, travel, and creative work
Smaller, seminar-style classes with discussion-focused learning

How to Join the Honors College

First-year applicants: Many top applicants are invited automatically in their admission offer. If you aren’t invited, you can submit a short Honors College application after you’re admitted — this usually includes a brief essay and your most recent transcript.
Current UML students: Apply internally after completing at least one semester with a GPA of 3.5+ and 12–24 earned credits.
Transfer students: Apply before or after enrollment; same GPA and credit expectations as current students.

Deadlines for First-Year Applicants:
– Early Action I: November 5 (best chance for Honors + top scholarships like Tsongas)
– Early Action II: January 15
– Regular Decision: February 15 (space-dependent for Honors College and competitive awards)

Honors‑Specific Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Tsongas Scholarship	Full tuition & mandatory fees + $4,000 housing allowance	Massachusetts residents admitted to the Honors College; apply by Early Action I; strong academics, leadership, and community service	Yes — Honors College/Tsongas application	Yes — 3.250 GPA, full‑time, maintain Honors standing	Unweighted GPA 3.9–4.0; SAT 1420–1500 or ACT 31–34; top 5% of class; AP/IB/dual‑enrollment rigor; ≥100 hours documented leadership/service
Honors College Student Fellowships	$1,500–$3,000 (1–2 semesters)	Honors College undergraduates with a faculty‑mentored research/creative or community project	Yes — Honors Fellowship application (Honors College portal)	No — typically one fellowship per student	Honors students with ≥30 earned credits and a faculty‑approved plan (≈75–150 project hours) and clear outcomes/timeline

Note: GPA and test score ranges are based on historical award recipient data and admissions profiles. Exact cutoffs are not published by UMass Lowell and may vary by year depending on applicant pool and funding.

FAQ

Is admission automatic? No — top students may be invited automatically in their admission letter, but others must apply.

What if I’m not invited? Submit the short Honors College application after you’re admitted — available through the UML Honors College site.

Does it add time to a degree? No — Honors courses count toward your degree, and the thesis/project is integrated into your major.

Any extra cost? No extra tuition; some Honors housing options may have slightly different rates.

Final Thoughts

If UMass Lowell is on your student’s list, don’t just look at the sticker price—dig into the automatic merit awards, competitive opportunities like the Tsongas Scholarship, and hidden gems such as departmental or ROTC funding. Pair those with the New England Regional tuition break if you qualify, and you can see a major drop in your net cost. And if your student has strong academics, the Honors College can add both scholarship money and an extra layer of academic and professional advantages.

Remember, Early Action is key for most of the biggest awards, so build your application timeline backwards from those deadlines. Keep an eye on GPA requirements for renewals, and confirm stacking rules directly with the Solution Center before counting on multiple awards.