Understanding UMass Boston Tuition and Fees: A Comprehensive Guide

For students considering higher education at the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston), understanding the tuition, fees, and financial aid options is essential. This article provides a detailed overview of the costs associated with attending UMass Boston, including tuition rates, mandatory fees, and estimates for indirect expenses. It also explores the various types of financial aid available to help students manage the cost of their education.

Tuition and Fees: Direct Costs

The cost of attendance (COA) at UMass Boston includes both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs are those that appear on the student invoice, primarily tuition and fees. These are the charges you'll pay directly to the university. Detailed information about tuition and fees can be found via the Bursar’s Office. It's important to note that costs may vary from what is outlined below. These are estimates.

Base Tuition

Base tuition is included with course descriptions showing fees for non-degree/non-matriculated Massachusetts residents.

Tuition Rates

University of Massachusetts--Boston's tuition is $16,064 for in-state and $38,281 for out-of-state students. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,422, University of Massachusetts--Boston is more expensive. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is more expensive than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,767.

It is important to consider that tuition and mandatory fees are approved annually by the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees - President's Office or Chancellor for the upcoming academic year beginning in the fall.

Read also: Applying to UMass Amherst

Mandatory Fees

In addition to tuition, students are required to pay certain mandatory fees. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources and campus health centers. Certain mandatory fees are paid only by undergraduate and graduate students matriculated or seeking to matriculate in a UMass Boston degree or certificate program.

Guest Student Fees

Semester/Term credit course fees for guest students (also called non-degree or non-matriculated students) are detailed below. Please be aware that some programs and courses may have different fee structures.

Winter Term 2025 fees for guest students (non-degree/non-matriculated) are detailed below. Tuition course fees are included with course descriptions. A $10 per credit registration service fee will be added your your e-bill. Some lab courses require additional fees - check specific course listings for details. For courses that require you to provide records, a records fee of $10 may apply.

Summer Term 2025 fees for guest students (non-degree/non-matriculated) are detailed below. Tuition course fees are included with course descriptions. A $10 per credit registration service fee will be added your your e-bill. Some lab courses require additional fees - check specific course listings for details. For courses that require you to provide records, a records fee of $10 may apply.

Bursar's Office

The Bursar’s Office issues bills to all UMass Boston students for tuition and fees including meal plans (excluding housing costs). The office collects and processes all payments and posts them to student accounts.

Read also: UMass Amherst Success Stories

Indirect Costs: Estimated Expenses

Indirect costs do not appear on the student invoice. These are estimated allowances for other expenses that students may incur while attending the university.

Additional Expenses

As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses.

Other costs include:

Books and Supplies: $1,000 per year
Personal Expenses: $1,350 per year
Transportation: $1,644 per year

Financial Aid: Making Education Accessible

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

Types of Financial Aid

Grants: Grants don’t need to be paid back.
Loans: Loans must be paid back.
Scholarships: Scholarships are a type of funding that you don’t need to pay back. Need-based scholarships take a student’s financial status into account. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students for academic or athletic achievement. You might also qualify for a scholarship based on your community service involvement, unique hobbies or traits, your personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation.
Work-Study Jobs: Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time. Some institutions match students with work-study positions, while others require them apply to the positions, like they would for any other job.

Need-Based vs. Merit-Based Aid

Need-based aid considers a student's financial status, while merit-based aid is awarded for academic or athletic achievement.

Financial Aid Statistics at UMass Boston

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 69%
Freshmen With Need and Received Financial Aid: 95%
Average Aid Package Awarded: $21,460
Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: $13,177
Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award (First-year Students):
Average Need-Based Loan Amount: $4,439
The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at University of Massachusetts--Boston was $14,664.
Additionally, 73% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in fall 2023.
Need-based self-help aid includes federal loans and work-study. The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $4,110.
Merit-based aid, also called non-need-based aid, is awarded for a specific talent or academic achievement. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at University of Massachusetts--Boston - excluding any athletic scholarships, if applicable - was $6,157.
University of Massachusetts--Boston met 82% of its students’ financial aid need.

Important Financial Aid Dates

Priority Application Due: Mar 1 (Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.)
Application Due: Not available (The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.)
Notification Date: Not available (When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.)
Response Due: Not available (The deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.)

G.I. Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program

Institution is G.I. Bill certified: YesInstitution participates in Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes

Student Loan Debt: Planning for the Future

How much student loan debt you accumulate can affect your financial life long after college ends. Ideally, your total student loan debt should fall below your anticipated starting salary once you graduate.

Debt Statistics for UMass Boston Graduates

Debt at Graduation: $27,233
The typical amount of loans a student must pay back. $27,233
Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class $27,233
Graduating students who have borrowed (any loan type, 2024) 65%
Graduating students who have borrowed (state loans, 2024)
Graduating students who have borrowed (private loans, 2024)
At University of Massachusetts--Boston, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $21,974.
The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $233.
Additionally, 11% of graduating students at University of Massachusetts--Boston took out private loans.
Students with private loans had an average of $28,069 in private loan debt at graduation.

Net Price: Understanding Your Individual Cost

Your net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.

Average Net Price and Household Income

Average Net Price$17,554 per year

Sticker Price

In-State Tuition: $15,278 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $37,495 per year

Additional Resources and Support

Job Opportunities

Begin your job search by checking whether your college has in-person or online job boards.

Enhanced Financial Aid, Billing and Payment Process

New this Academic Year - Enhanced Financial Aid, Billing and Payment Process - this process will allow students to receive financial aid and electronic bills earlier than before. Students will be required to pay or provide a plan to pay their balance with a payment plan, financial aid, and/or the third-party payments, by the due date on their bill.

Tuition Guarantee Plans

Tuition at time of first enrollment guaranteed only to students making advance payment.

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