Student Body ↓

About

About University of Massachusetts-Boston

high research activityaccessible admissionshealth sciences focusboston harbor campus

University of Massachusetts-Boston is a public research university in Boston, MA, known for its accessible admissions, health sciences focus, and boston harbor campus. With an acceptance rate of 81%, UMB is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 2,441 students each year. UMB is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1110–1290, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. UMB offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $11,304 per year; the sticker price of $55,993 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

University of Massachusetts-Boston acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

81%
Overall Accept Rate
3.50
Typical Admitted GPA
1200
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.00 – 3.75 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1110 – 1290 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 24 – 29

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of Massachusetts-Boston

Essay Strategy
UMass Boston takes essays seriously, so use your personal statement to connect your goals to the school's urban, diverse, and public-service oriented environment. Show specifically why a university embedded in Boston's communities fits your plans, not just that you want to be in Boston.
Extracurriculars
UMass Boston values students who are engaged with their communities, so in your activities section emphasize any work, volunteering, caregiving, or community involvement, especially if those roles reflect real responsibilities rather than just resume building.

Financial Aid & Cost

What University of Massachusetts-Boston actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: University of Massachusetts-Boston has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $75,000, the average net annual cost is $0. University of Massachusetts-Boston's sticker price of ~$56k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30kOften $0~$56k/yr~$0 / yr
30k-48kOften $0~$56k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75kOften $0~$56k/yr~$0 / yr
75k-110k~$56k/yr$20.9k
110k+~$56k/yr$25.6k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

51%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$54k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
11,094
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

30%White
21%Hispanic
18%Black / African American
16%Asian
7%International
4%Two or More Races
4%Unknown / Unreported
0%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender45% Men · 55% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status93% Citizens and Immigrants · 7% International
UMB, Boston Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch