University of Massachusetts-Boston
About University of Massachusetts-Boston
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
UMass Boston is a public research university on the Boston waterfront, the only public research university in the city. It serves a diverse, largely commuter student body with programs in nursing, management, education, and public policy.
Founded
1964
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Students
14,949
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
83.8%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
49.4%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$15,908
Out-of-state: $38,125
Avg Net Price
$17,707
After financial aid
SAT Average
1194
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$65,865
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$60
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jul 15
University of Massachusetts-Boston accepts the majority of applicants at 83.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1194/ 1600
ACT Scores
27/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
49.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
70.4%
4-Year Grad
27%
6-Year Grad
49%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
59.9%
$/Student
$19.6K
Class Size
Medium
The 27% graduation rate is below average, but 70.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$15,908
In-State
$38,125
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$19,128
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$30,544
After Financial Aid
$17,707
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$14,070
Receive Grants
41.6%
Take Loans
50.6%
The full cost of attendance is about $30,544/yr for in-state students, including $19,128 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $17,707. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $38,125.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Massachusetts-Boston fund their education.
While in School
41.6%
Get Grants
Free money
50.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$31,247
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,974
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$233/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $21,974 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Massachusetts-Boston.
Gender
55.5%
Female
45%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
11,512
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,437
Graduates
43.1%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
15.9%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 43.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 6.7% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
11,512
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Massachusetts-Boston fields 9 varsity teams with 412 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
Little East
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
412
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
52% / 48%
215
Men
197
Women
7
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Massachusetts-Bostonearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$65,865
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$49K
414 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$80K
372 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$38K
251 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$43K
206 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$38K
162 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$42K
144 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $54K at six years, $49K at eight, and $66K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Massachusetts-Boston
What is the acceptance rate at University of Massachusetts-Boston?▾
How much does University of Massachusetts-Boston cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Massachusetts-Boston?▾
How much do University of Massachusetts-Boston graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.