University of Massachusetts-Boston: 80.8% Acceptance Rate

80.8%Acceptance

$15,496Tuition

11,848Students

51%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$65,865Earnings

#25 in MassachusettsPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Massachusetts-Boston

UMass Boston draws 11,848 students to its urban campus overlooking Boston Harbor. This public research university has built its reputation serving one of the most diverse student bodies in Massachusetts, with particularly strong programs in nursing, business, and public policy. The school attracts students who want big-city opportunities without the big-city price tag. Notable alumni include radio personality Billy Costa and former U.S. Senator Mo Cowan.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for Massachusetts families. In-state students pay an average net price of $18,282 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $65,865 ten years after graduation. Students typically leave with $21,974 in debt and monthly loan payments of $233. Nearly 43% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's mission to serve working-class families. The return on investment works in students' favor.

The student body reflects Boston's diversity: 30% white, 18% Black, 20% Hispanic, and 16% Asian. About 90% of students come from Massachusetts. The Beacons compete in NCAA Division III across 19 sports with 359 total athletes. However, the 51% six-year graduation rate suggests students often balance school with work and family obligations, typical of urban commuter campuses.

Academics & Faculty

UMass Boston operates as a public research university with particularly strong nursing, business, and public policy programs that prepare students for careers in Boston's major industries. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 51% graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their degrees. Research opportunities exist across disciplines, but the university's commuter-heavy environment means students often balance academics with work and family responsibilities. The diverse student body brings varied perspectives to classroom discussions, with 42.7% receiving Pell Grants indicating significant economic diversity. Academic support services help navigate the demands of urban university life while maintaining quality instruction.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 62.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 51.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 51.1%
Retention Rate: 72.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $65,865
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$115,339
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Certificate	$106,814
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$99,439
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Certificate	$87,815
Educational/Instructional Media Design.	Master	$78,343
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$74,200
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$72,134
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$71,098
Special Education and Teaching.	Certificate	$59,425
Human Services, General.	Master	$58,221

View all 184 programs →

Campus Life

UMass Boston sits on a peninsula jutting into Boston Harbor, giving students waterfront views from many campus buildings. With housing for only 1,102 students and total enrollment of 11,848, fewer than 10% of students live on campus. Most commute from across the Greater Boston area, creating a campus that empties out after classes end.

The university draws 89.91% of its students from Massachusetts, with many working part-time jobs while taking classes. Boston winters demand heavy coats and boots, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for studying outdoors near the harbor. The campus lacks traditional college traditions since it opened in 1965 as an urban commuter school designed to serve working-class students.

Weekends tend to be quiet on campus as students scatter throughout Boston and surrounding communities. The real social center is downtown Boston, just a shuttle ride away via the university's connection to the JFK/UMass Red Line station. Students often head to nearby Dorchester, South End, or Cambridge for entertainment, taking advantage of their proximity to one of America's great college cities.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 1,102 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

18 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Stalking	6	4
Dating Violence	5	1
Aggravated Assault	1	0
Burglary	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–36°F
July Avg: 66°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 43.6"
Annual Snowfall: 49.2"

Student Demographics

UMass Boston draws almost entirely from Massachusetts, with 90% of students staying close to home for this affordable public option. The campus reflects Boston's diversity, bringing together White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian students in roughly equal proportions. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, making this a gateway for first-generation college students and working families. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, partly reflecting the university's strength in nursing and education programs. This urban commuter campus serves as an access point for Boston-area students seeking quality higher education without the top price tag.

Men: 42.9%
Women: 57.1%
White: 30.9%
Black: 17.9%
Hispanic: 19.6%
Asian: 16.3%
In-State Students: 89.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 42.7%

Location

UMass Boston sits on a 177-acre peninsula in Dorchester Bay, just five miles from downtown Boston. The campus overlooks Boston Harbor with direct access to the city via the Red Line subway system. Students can reach downtown in under 30 minutes by public transit. The urban setting provides internship opportunities across Boston's finance, healthcare, and technology sectors. With 89.91% of students coming from Massachusetts, most are already familiar with the region's mix of historic neighborhoods and modern development. The waterfront location offers harbor views but lacks the traditional college town atmosphere found at other Massachusetts schools. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare UMass Boston with similar schools in the region.

Address: Boston, Massachusetts 02125-3393

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $65,865
Median Earnings (5 years): $69,745
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $42,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 60.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $233/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,974

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Massachusetts-Boston?

UMass Boston accepts 80.76% of applicants, making it accessible to students with a wide range of academic backgrounds. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1080-1300 on the SAT. This public research university serves as a gateway for first-generation college students and working adults in the Boston area.

How much does University of Massachusetts-Boston cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $18,282 annually, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $13,072. About 42.69% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving low-income students. Graduates typically leave with $21,974 in debt, which is manageable given the median earnings of $65,865 ten years after graduation.

What academic programs is University of Massachusetts-Boston known for?

UMass Boston excels in nursing, business, and public policy programs that prepare students for careers in the Boston metropolitan area. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention despite the university's research focus. The diverse student body includes 30.86% white students, 17.86% Black students, 19.64% Hispanic students, and 16.28% Asian students.

What are the graduation outcomes at University of Massachusetts-Boston?

The six-year graduation rate is 51.10%, which reflects the challenges many working students face in completing their degrees. However, 94.2% of graduates find employment, and they earn a median salary of $65,865 ten years after graduation. The university serves many non-traditional students who balance work and family responsibilities while pursuing their education.

Where do University of Massachusetts-Boston students live?

The campus houses only 1,102 students in a university of 11,848, as most students commute from the greater Boston area. About 89.91% of students are Massachusetts residents who often live at home or in nearby apartments. The urban setting provides access to internships and jobs throughout Boston, but limits the traditional residential college experience.

Does University of Massachusetts-Boston offer athletic scholarships?

UMass Boston awards $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution where 359 student-athletes compete in 19 varsity sports. The Beacons focus on academics first, with student-athletes balancing rigorous coursework with competitive athletics. This approach aligns with the university's mission to serve working students who often cannot commit to the time demands of scholarship-level athletics.