University of Massachusetts announces initiative which will provide free tuition and mandatory fees to qualifying students

Boston MA – The University of Massachusetts, including the Dartmouth campus, has announced an initiative which will provide free tuition and mandatory fees to high-need, in-state undergraduate students. The initiative is made possible through critical support from the Massachusetts MASSGRANT program.

“I want to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts Legislature for their commitment to public higher education. As a first-generation college student myself, I know from personal experience that a college degree is the springboard to personal and professional success. It changes lives and transforms communities. Through this initiative and the support of the MASSGRANT program, UMass Dartmouth is committed to ensuring that Massachusetts students from working families have the opportunity to get a world-class education at UMass Dartmouth, ” said Chancellor Mark A. Fuller.

“UMass Dartmouth is doing an excellent job at conveying the affordability of a UMass degree, and I thank Chancellor Fuller and the other UMass chancellors for their efforts to communicate that fact to Massachusetts students and families,” said UMass President Marty Meehan. “The UMass system has made record investments in university-funded financial aid, increasing aid by 73 percent to a total of $409 million since 2015. This significant university aid, combined with the visionary expansion of MASSGrant Plus from the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature, has made it possible for the four undergraduate campuses to cover tuition and mandatory fees for the students with the greatest need.”

Beginning Fall 2025, this program will be available to in-state undergraduate students with an annual family income of $75,000 or less by providing tuition and fee support and access to a robust network of academic and professional resources like financial literacy workshops and additional scholarships to assist with costs such as books and housing. The UMass Dartmouth Deal will also guarantee eligible students a room in on-campus housing. The University expects roughly 1,500 UMass Dartmouth students to qualify for this initiative.

“I applaud UMass Dartmouth and the UMass System for their innovative approach to expanding access to educational opportunities,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The Legislature, in collaboration with the Healey- Driscoll Administration, continues to position Massachusetts as a national leader in higher education. This free tuition program is great for Massachusetts families and the Commonwealth.”

UMass Dartmouth is mindful that a four-year degree is also a meaningful investment for families whose income may be higher than the eligibility requirements for UMass Dartmouth Deal. The University remains committed to providing need-based financial aid to many families. Last year, UMass Dartmouth awarded more than $21 million in financial aid.

“I want to congratulate UMass Dartmouth for their commitment to providing educational pathways for our students. The work we have done in the Legislature in collaboration with the Healey-Driscoll administration continues to provide young people in the Commonwealth the opportunity to earn an excellent education at an affordable cost. Improving access to higher education will strengthen our local communities and economy,” said Representative Tony Cabral.

“This tuition-free assistance is a critical piece to elevating career pathways for students of families with modest means to access high-quality higher education. I am proud to be a part of this Commonwealth and Legislature that has made this possible,” said Representative Carole Fiola.

“Accessible and affordable education is the hand-up that many in our community need as they pursue their highest potential,” said Representative Chris Markey. “UMass Dartmouth will continue to enrich and strengthen the foundation of the South Coast by implementing free tuition and fees to high-need Massachusetts residents. This commitment to our community will provide our young people the tools to achieve their brightest future.”

In alignment with other UMass campuses, the initiative aims to reduce financial barriers for students who demonstrate significant financial need, ensuring that a high-quality public education remains within reach for all. Together, the UMass campuses are dedicated to preparing students for current and emerging industries, driven by a shared vision of accessible, inclusive, and quality education.

“The UMass Dartmouth Deal will provide a necessary boost to the educational aspirations of the SouthCoast,” said Michael O’Sullivan, CEO of the One SouthCoast Chamber. “Expanding opportunities for the residents of our region, especially our Gateway Cities, will make a profound impact.”

To make it easier for students, they will not have to complete a separate application for the program and will be automatically enrolled if eligible. For more details, including eligibility requirements and other program information, please visit www.umassd.edu/deal.