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University of Massachusetts-Boston

Boston, Massachusetts 02125-3393

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

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Strong graduate outcomes — known for business

University of Massachusetts-Boston is a public institution in Boston with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1188, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 11.8K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

51% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $65,865 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $18,282.

Established
1964
Motto
"To Preserve and Extend Knowledge"
Mascot
Bobby the Beacon
Type
Public research university
Conference
NCAA's Division III

Campus Visits

135 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, May 29 · Campus Visit

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83%Acceptance
1188SAT Avg
11,848Students
15:1Student:Faculty
51%Grad Rate
$65,865Earnings 10yr
$18,282Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate83.0%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1188

Reading & WritingMid: 585
540650
MathMid: 585
540640

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 27
2430

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

Admissions

Test-RequiredTracks InterestOn-Campus Interviews

Application Platforms

Common ApplicationUMass Application

Early Action

11-01

Regular Decision

03-01

Financial Aid

Merit Scholarships

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$15,496
Tuition (out-of-state)$37,174
Room & Board$17,512
Books & Supplies$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance$29,698
Average Net Price$18,282
Median Debt at Graduation$21,974
Monthly Payment (10yr)$233

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$13,072
$30–48K$14,215
$48–75K$17,572
$75–110K$22,332
$110K+$25,375

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

48.0%

Median Debt at Grad

$15,000

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

91

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Incident Breakdown (2024)

23

Burglary

5

Aggravated Assault

3

Robbery

8

Motor Vehicle Theft

9

Sex Offenses

1

Arson

24

Drug Arrests

18

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Academics

Semester
Majors
80
Avg class size
25
Student-faculty ratio
16:1

Programs (184)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

73%

Mixed

Campus Life

Division IIILittle East ConferenceGreek Life

Housing & Residential Life

Limited on-campus housing available

Housing Styles

Apartment-style housing

Dining

Student Body

Undergrads
11,848
Gender Split
57% / 43%
Women / Men
First Generation
43%
Pell Grant Recipients
43%

Race & Ethnicity

White 31%
Black 18%
Hispanic 20%
Asian 16%
Two+ 4%
Int'l 7%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate51.1%
Freshman Retention72.9%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$53,521
10 Years$65,865

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Notable Alumni

Janet Mills

75th Governor of Maine and former Maine Attorney General

Biz Stone

Co-founder of Twitter

Joe Rogan

Comedian, UFC commentator, and podcast host (attended but did not finish)

Dennis Lehane

Bestselling author of Mystic River and Gone Baby Gone (attended but did not finish)

Joseph Abboud

International fashion designer

Rankings

U.S. News
#213
vs 2024
Forbes
#278
vs 2024
Wall Street Journal
#29
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#130
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports

Indoor

History & Fun Facts

  • History Origins (pre-1964) The University of Massachusetts System dates back to the founding of Massachusetts Agricultural College under the Morrill Land-Grant Acts in 1863.
  • In 1962, the 162nd Massachusetts General Court expanded the UMass System for the first time to Worcester, Massachusetts with the creation of the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
  • In 1964, Massachusetts Senate Majority Leader Maurice A.
  • 1964–1974: Park Square campus See also: Park Square (Boston) Massachusetts House of Representatives Majority Whip Robert H.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

152Very High

Estimated from MA state average + large city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Bostonpop. 675K
3 mi(5 min)
New Yorkpop. 8.3M
189 mi(328 min)
Philadelphiapop. 1.6M
270 mi(468 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

BOS Boston Logan4 mi
PVD Providence TF Green45 mi
MHT Manchester-Boston47 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA3 mi · ~5 min drive
New York, NY189 mi · ~5h 28m drive
Hartford, CT92 mi · ~2h 39m drive
Providence, RI39 mi · ~1h 8m drive
Albany, NY141 mi · ~4h 4m drive
Syracuse, NY264 mi · ~7h 38m drive
Rochester, NY338 mi · ~9h 46m drive
Buffalo, NY401 mi · ~11h 35m drive
Philadelphia, PA270 mi · ~7h 48m drive
Pittsburgh, PA482 mi · ~13h 55m drive
Harrisburg, PA335 mi · ~9h 41m drive
Newark, NJ195 mi · ~5h 38m drive
Trenton, NJ241 mi · ~6h 58m drive
Central (cold winters, warm summers)

Nearby Attractions

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museumwalkable

Presidential library located adjacent to campus on Columbia Point

Boston Harbor Islands

National and State Park with ferry access nearby

Downtown Boston

Major metropolitan area with museums, dining, and cultural attractions

Transfer Admission

Minimum credits
12 semester hours

International Students

Deadline Calendar

University of Massachusetts-Boston Application Checklist

Decision Notifications