Yes, UMass Amherst offers merit scholarships to both domestic and international students based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and leadership, with awards ranging from $6,000 to $7,600 annually.
How much merit does UMass Amherst give?
UMass Amherst awards merit scholarships averaging $7,600 per year to 59% of non-Massachusetts first-year students, with awards based on academic achievement rather than financial need.
For example, the Commonwealth Honors College offers merit-based scholarships that can cover up to 50% of tuition for high-achieving students. These awards are renewable for up to four years, provided the student maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA. International students get considered automatically for merit aid during admissions, so no separate application is required.
Does UMass Amherst give good financial aid?
82% of incoming students receive financial assistance, with the average freshman aid package totaling $17,628 per year.
Most aid comes as grants and scholarships, which don't need repayment. Need-based aid comes from the FAFSA, so filing it is essential. Massachusetts students may qualify for extra state grants like the MassGrant, which can cover up to $2,500 per year for eligible applicants.
Does UMass Amherst give merit scholarships to international students?
International students are automatically considered for merit scholarships upon admission to UMass Amherst.
These awards focus on academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and leadership qualities. The International Student & Scholar Services Office notes that top applicants may receive scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per year. No separate application is needed, but students should check their admissions portal for award notifications.
How much scholarship does UMass Amherst give?
UMass Amherst offers scholarships worth $6,000 per year for two consecutive years (or four semesters), awarded by a faculty and staff committee.
These scholarships usually go to students in the Commonwealth Honors College or those showing exceptional academic promise. For example, the Honors College Scholarships include awards like the Chancellor’s Scholarship, which covers $6,000 annually. Students must keep a 3.3 GPA to keep the award.
Is UMass Amherst expensive?
In 2026, the total undergraduate cost at UMass Amherst is $30,034 for in-state students, with tuition held at $15,791 since 2020-21.
That breaks down to $15,791 for tuition, $648 in mandatory fees, and $13,595 for room and board. Out-of-state students pay the same fees and room/board rates as in-state students. For comparison, the average public university tuition in 2026 is $11,260 for in-state and $28,650 for out-of-state, according to the College Board.
What is the maximum amount of money fafsa gives?
The maximum Pell Grant award for 2025-26 is $7,395, with eligibility determined by the FAFSA.
Pell Grants are need-based and only for undergraduates pursuing their first degree. Students can get the Pell Grant for up to 12 semesters (about six years). For example, a student with a family income of $40,000 or less may qualify for the full $7,395, while partial awards are available for incomes up to $60,000. Apply at studentaid.gov.
How many students are in UMass Amherst Honors College?
Over 3,000 students are enrolled in the Commonwealth Honors College at UMass Amherst as of 2026.
Honors College offers smaller class sizes, dedicated advising, and priority registration. For example, the average class size in Honors College is 20 students, compared to 30-40 in regular courses. Honors students also get exclusive scholarships, research opportunities, and honors housing options.
What is the annual tuition at UMass Amherst?
In-state tuition and fees for 2026-27 are $14,596 per academic year, while out-of-state tuition is $31,420.
| Costs Associated With Attendance | Tuition & Fees (In-State) | Tuition & Fees (Out of State) | Room Rates |
|---|
| Undergraduate Degree | $14,596 per academic year | $31,420 per academic year | $6,061 per academic year (Residence Hall/Shared Room) |
How much is just tuition at UMass Amherst?
In-state undergraduate tuition is $16,439 for 2026-27, while out-of-state tuition is $36,964.
| Campus | Undergraduate (In-State) | Undergraduate (Regional*) | Undergraduate (Out-of-State) | Graduate (In-State) |
|---|
| Amherst | $16,439 | $30,027 | $36,964 | $17,011 |
| Boston | $14,697 | $25,337 | $35,159 | $18,938 |
*Regional rates apply to students from Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New York.
What is the UMass Amherst grant?
UMass Amherst offers Flex Grants of $500 to support faculty professional development, funded through the MSP contract.
These grants aim to enhance teaching and are available annually to eligible faculty members. For students, the university also offers need-based grants like the UMass Amherst Grant, which can cover up to $5,000 per year for students with significant financial need. Apply through the UMass Financial Aid Office.
Does UMass Amherst meet full need?
Yes, UMass Amherst meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students.
This means the university will cover the gap between the cost of attendance and your expected family contribution (EFC), as determined by the FAFSA. For example, if your EFC is $10,000 and the total cost is $30,034, UMass Amherst will offer a combination of grants, loans, and work-study to cover the remaining $20,034. This policy applies to both in-state and out-of-state students.
Does UMass Dartmouth give merit scholarships?
Yes, UMass Dartmouth offers merit-based scholarships for high school and transfer students, with awards ranging from $1,000 to full tuition.
The scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, test scores, and extracurricular involvement. For example, the UMassD Chancellor’s Scholarship covers up to $15,000 per year for students with a 3.5 GPA or higher. Most merit scholarships don't require a separate application; eligibility is determined during the admissions process.
UMass Amherst recommends a GPA of 3.9 or higher to be competitive, with most admitted students taking AP or IB courses.
In 2026, the middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 1190-1390, and the ACT range is 26-32. For context, a 3.9 GPA means nearly straight A’s in rigorous courses. If your GPA is below 3.7, consider retaking classes or improving your SAT/ACT scores to strengthen your application. Check the UMass Admissions website for updated requirements.
UMass Amherst has a 64% acceptance rate, making it somewhat selective as of 2026.
The average SAT score for admitted students is 1290, and the average ACT score is 29. For example, if you score below 1190 on the SAT, your chances of admission decrease significantly. The regular decision deadline is January 15, and applying early action can improve your chances. For updates, visit the UMass Admissions website.
Which is better UMass Amherst or Boston?
UMass Amherst is larger, with 30,593 students compared to Boston College’s 14,720, and offers a broader range of programs.
| Metric | UMass Amherst | Boston College |
|---|
| Student Body Size | 30,593 | 14,720 |
| Full-Time Faculty | 1,417 | 860 |
| Average SAT Score | 1290 | 1440 |
UMass Amherst is a public university with lower tuition ($16,439 in-state vs. $62,570 at Boston College) and stronger programs in engineering and business. Boston College, a private Jesuit school, has a higher SAT average and stronger humanities programs. Pick based on your academic goals, budget, and campus culture preferences.
