FINANCIAL AID
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
The purpose of financial aid is to provide assistance in meeting the basic costs of higher education. The university administers aid from the federal and state governments, from UMass Boston, and from private organizations and donors. In 2003-2004 over 75% of full-time undergraduates received financial aid totaling over $50 million.
The university’s financial aid programs are specifically directed at helping students with academic potential and limited financial resources who would not be able to complete their education without the support of such programs.
Financial aid is usually awarded in “packages” which combine several forms of aid. The package may include scholarships, grants and waivers, which are gifts; loans, which must be paid back with interest; and work-study awards, through which students receive hourly wages for working at on- and off-campus jobs.
Some aid is offered specifically on the basis of need; other programs are based on academic achievement, public service, or other qualifications. Need-based financial aid programs are administered by the university’s Office of Financial Aid Services. Other types of aid, not based on financial need and described in a separate section below, include certain loan programs, tuition waivers for specific categories of students, and several scholarship programs.
Although international students are not eligible to receive financial aid offered through the Financial Aid Office, there are types of aid for which international students may qualify. Examples include alternative loans, graduate assistantships, private scholarships, and on-campus employment.
NEED-BASED AID
Through the Office of Financial Aid Services the university works as a partner with students and their families to eliminate economic barriers to the extent that funding and program regulations allow. Please note that each aid program has specific eligibility requirements: a student may be eligible for some kinds of aid and not for others.
- All matriculated students who are US citizens (or eligible non- citizens) are encouraged to apply for need-based financial aid. Undergraduates carrying fewer than twelve credits or the equivalent may be awarded aid at less than the full rate for which they would otherwise be eligible. A minimum of six credits or the equivalent is required for most aid programs: Exceptions include the Massachusetts Grant, for which the minimum is twelve credits or the equivalent, and the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study, State Access Grant, Fee Grant and Tuition Waiver Programs, for which students who are less than half time may qualify under certain circumstances.
- Students who are not residents of Massachusetts are encouraged to apply for federally-funded need-based aid programs, and for certain other aid programs as specified in individual program descriptions. Non-resident students are not eligible to receive aid through Massachusetts state-funded programs, although they may be eligible to receive state aid from their home state.
- Some certificate students may qualify for certain need-based financial aid programs.
Through the application process, students learn whether they are eligible for particular aid programs, and, if they are eligible, the kinds and amounts of aid for which they qualify. The process is designed to give the Office of Financial Aid Services the information needed for making equitable awards. The process works properly when applicants cooperate by following instructions, providing information requested, and meeting deadlines.
Entering students may obtain an admissions application packet including information about financial aid by calling the Enrollment Information Service at 617.287.6000.
Information and application forms are available for all students from The One Stop Administrative Service Center on the Upper Level of the Campus Center. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm; Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Note: All students applying for need-based financial aid must be considered fairly and equally, without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the services offered by the Office of Financial Aid Services. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, apply for financial aid.
A complete list of other student rights and responsibilities in connection with financial aid may be found in the “Standards, Regulations and Procedures” section of this publication.
Financial Aid Application Process and Priority Filing Dates
Applying for need-based financial aid includes
- Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be completed on line at: www.FAFSA.ed.gov. General information about federal government financial aid programs can be found at: www.ed.gov/studentaid.
- Supplying other information requested by the Office of Financial Aid Services.
The application for financial aid is generally available by January 1 for the academic year starting the following September. Priority filing dates are as follows:
- New students who have a complete and accurate FAFSA on file by March 1 can expect to have a Financial Aid Notification by April 1. Likewise, students who will be entering the university in the spring semester and have a complete and accurate FAFSA on file by November 1 can expect to have a Financial Aid Notification by December 1. Continuing student awards are processed following a review of each student’s academic performance for the prior year.
How Awards Are Made
Determining and Meeting the Student’s “Need”
Although the university may in some instances provide a substantial amount of aid, students and their families are always expected to make a contribution as well. For this reason, both the student’s and the family’s earnings, savings, and assets are considered in the awarding of financial aid.
Each student’s financial need is determined according to a formula called “Federal Methodology,” which establishes uniform criteria for evaluating a family’s ability to finance higher education based on the information provided on the FAFSA. Federal Methodology follows a standard set of procedures in measuring the relative financial strength of the family, considering such family resources as income, equity in property (other than the primary place of residency), and savings, in order to determine how much the family reasonably can be expected to contribute toward the student’s education. The result of these calculations is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is used to determine the amount to be awarded in federal, state, and campus-based aid. A student’s financial need is defined as the difference between the student’s cost of attendance (including tuition and fees, an allowance for room and board expenses, books and supplies, and transportation costs) and the EFC.
Other kinds of resources considered in making these awards include (but are not limited to) social security and veterans’ benefits. In meeting need, several factors come into play. Initially, the Office of Financial Aid Services must consider the total amount of financial aid funds available and the estimated number of students eligible to receive those funds. The Office then follows two general rules: First, student needs are met to the fullest extent allowed by the funds available. Second, funds are distributed as equitably as possible. The Office of Financial Aid Services cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet a student’s total “need” or that the package it offers will include the particular kind of aid desired by the student.
Cost of Attendance
As part of the process to determine the amount of financial aid for which students are eligible, the Office of Financial Aid Services has established “estimated expense budgets” based on the average estimated costs of attending UMass Boston. The Office of Financial Aid Services therefore reviews student expense budgets each year to arrive at fair estimates. Since the undergraduate student population is composed of people with differing living situations, the Office uses a variety of budget categories for undergraduates. Sample budgets appear below.
| Expenses | In-State, At-Home Undergraduate, Full-Time |
Out-of-State, Away-from-Home Undergraduate, Full-Time |
| (Academic Year) | ||
| Tuition and Fees* | $8,266 |
$19,320 |
| Room and Board Allowance | 2,000 |
6,500 |
| Books and Supplies | 800 |
800 |
| Personal Expense Allowance | 1,240 |
1,240 |
| Transportation | 1,000 |
1,000 |
| Totals | 13,306 |
$28,860 |
Available Aid
The following need-based student aid programs for undergraduates are administered directly or indirectly by the Office of Financial Aid Services.
Federal Financial Aid Programs
assist low-income undergraduates meet the basic costs of attending college. For 2005-2006, the grants range from $400 to $4,050, depending on eligibility. All undergraduates applying for need-based financial aid through the FAFSA are automatically applying for Pell Grants.
(FSEOG) are awarded to students who have the highest demonstrated financial need: priority is given to Pell Grant recipients. Awards range from $200 to $2,000 depending on available funds and the number of eligible applicants.
are awarded to assist students who have demonstrated financial need. Students sign promissory notes and pass a federally mandated Perkins examination prior to the loans being applied to each student’s university bill. The loans are to be repaid at 5% interest starting nine months after graduation, when enrollment is less than half-time status, or at termination of enrollment. Awards range from $500 to $4,000 depending on available funds and the number of eligible applicants.
The (FWS) provides help to students through earnings from employment. Under the work-study program, students are employed at designated jobs on or off campus. Students may work while school is in session and during vacations, intersession, and the summer. Many departments and offices at the university employ work-study students throughout the year. Students may also be able to secure jobs with certain agencies off campus. Students earn awards through hourly employment; funds are paid directly to the student.
The provides funds directly from the U.S. Government and is designed to help students who demonstrate financial need. Students apply for these loans through the FAFSA. Repayment starts six months after graduation, at termination of enrollment, or when the student’s course load drops below six credit hours. The annual variable interest will be paid by the federal government while the student is in school, enrolled for at least six credit hours per term, and during the six-month grace period. Eligibility for the Direct Loan program is determined by the number of credits the student has earned. Until a student has earned 20 credits, the limit is $2,625 per academic year; between 20-49 credits the limit is $3,500; and students who have earned 50 credits and up may borrow up to $5,500 per academic year.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Financial Aid Programs
These programs are sponsored by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for students who are Massachusetts residents and have completed financial aid applications by May 1st:
(MASSGrant): A grant based on need for undergraduate students enrolled full time who are Massachusetts residents.
The : A grant based on need for undergraduate students enrolled less than full time, but taking at least six credit hours, who are Massachusetts residents.
The : This merit-based grant is for undergraduate students who have earned 24 credit hours, are Massachusetts residents, and have a 3.0 GPA. The maximum grant is $500.
are awarded to needy students to assist with tuition and fee costs. These grants are funded by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education for Massachusetts residents.
(NBTW) cover the cost of tuition for in-state students. They have been authorized by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education for undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and are Massachusetts residents.
The Massachusetts State offers a zero interest, long-term student loan to financially needy undergraduates who are Massachusetts residents for assistance in meeting post-secondary educational costs.
The Undergraduate , funded through the University’s own resources, are awarded to needy students to assist with fee costs.
OTHER TYPES OF AID
Non-Need-Based Loans
(PLUS loans) are offered through banks and private lending institutions. Such loans may be in amounts of up to the full cost of a student’s University education. Parents must begin to repay the loans 60 days after disbursement. The interest rate on these loans is variable, not to exceed 12%; the rate has been set at 4.22% for the 03-04 academic year.
are credit-based loans that may be used to supplement other forms of financial assistance. Eligible students and co-applicants may borrow from $500 up to the full cost of the student’s University education less all other aid a student may receive. Interest rates are a set percentage over prime. Information is available by calling 1.800.255-TERI. Students begin to repay the loan 45 days after disbursement.
The Massachusetts Educational Finance Authority offers through its “” a series of educational financing options, including fixed or variable rate interest home equity borrowing. The program is credit-based and intended primarily for middle-income families. Students and co-applicants may borrow the difference between the cost of education and other financial aid received by the student. Information is available by calling 1 800 449-MEFA. Repayment begins 45 days after disbursement.
The is identical to the Federal Subsidized Direct Loan Program, except that during enrollment and grace periods, the student either pays the interest or has it added to the principal of the loan.
Student Employment
A component of Financial Aid Services, the Office of Student Employment oversees student employment programs.
The student employment programs include
- Federal Work-Study, a program for students who have been awarded FWS by Financial Aid Services (described earlier in this section).
- Institutional Student Employment, positions for university students on campus and
- The Part-time Job Program, which lists positions with off-campus employers.
For additional information, visit the student employment website at www.umb.edu/students/employment/index.html.
Categorical Tuition Waivers
Please note: Tuition waivers apply to the cost of tuition only, and not to fees. For more information on these or other waiver programs, please contact the Bursar’s Office at 617.287.5350.
National Guard Tuition Waivers are available to all members of the National Guard. Applications are available from commanding officers of Guard units.
Native American Student Tuition Waivers are available to Native American students who are residents of Massachusetts. Information is available through the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs: 617.727.6394.
Senior Citizen Tuition Waivers are available to students over 60 on a per course basis. Further information is available at the Office of the Registrar.
State Employee Tuition Waivers are available to some state employees. They need not be admitted to a degree-granting program. They will receive a full tuition waiver for all state-supported day and evening courses, providing they submit, for each semester they are enrolled, a “Certificate of Eligibility for Tuition Remission” form. Employees enrolling in courses administered by the Division of Corporate, Continuing, and Distance Education, including summer session courses, will receive a tuition waiver of 50%. State employees wishing to determine if they are eligible for a tuition waiver should contact their personnel office.
Veterans Tuition Waivers are awarded to honorably discharged veterans if they were enlisted or drafted from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Veterans must have been on active duty during the Vietnam War, or have served in theater during US military actions in Grenada, Panama, or Lebanon, or during the Gulf War; or be currently on active duty and stationed in Massachusetts; and must have served 180 days of active duty. All eligible veterans may receive a tuition waiver for a total of 130 credit hours. Information is available through the university’s Office of Veterans’ Affairs.
Scholarship Programs
The university administers a number of scholarship programs recognizing academic achievement and promise. Eligibility is limited to Massachusetts residents, and in some cases to either new or currently enrolled students. Information about these programs is available from the Scholarship Office. For details on how to apply, please refer to the Office’s publication, “It’s Your Future: A Guide to Merit-Based Scholarships at UMass Boston.” Copies may be obtained by calling 617.287.6000, or by calling the Scholarship Office directly at 617.287.6026.
The Chancellor’s Scholarship for Excellence Program
Up to thirty Chancellor’s Scholarships for Excellence are awarded each year to matriculated students entering the university for the first time. The scholarships can cover all tuition and most mandatory fee costs throughout the student’s undergraduate education, provided that the recipient maintains continuous full-time enrollment with an acceptable grade point average. The amount of the award may vary. Complete information is available from the Scholarship Office. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must have applied for financial aid by completing the FAFSA, and, in addition must
- have demonstrated academic accomplishment by achieving academic standing in the top 10% of their high school graduating classes, or, for a college transfer student, by achieving a 3.5 cumulative average; or
- have demonstrated intellectual and academic ccomplishment of comparable distinction (if rank in class is not available or meaningful or if the applicant could be considered a non-traditional student); or
- excel in the arts; or
- have demonstrated extraordinary achievement in unpaid community service.
Please note: To be eligible for this program, the applicant must apply for the scholarship before enrolling in university classes as a matriculated student. Each applicant is also expected to submit an essay and two references. Deadline dates are March 1 and June 1 for students entering in the fall; December 1 for students entering in the spring.
The Stephen J Sweeney Scholarship Program
This merit scholarship program gives consideration to the applicant’s financial need. Sweeney Scholarships are awarded each year to one or more UMass Boston freshmen who are graduates of the three Boston public high schools that are partners with the university in the Admission Guaranteed Program: Jeremiah E Burke, Dorchester, and South Boston high schools. A full description of the AGP program can be found in the “Academic Resources Beyond the Classroom” section of this publication. This scholarship program honors the achievements and dedication of Stephen J Sweeney, former chairman and CEO of the Boston Edison Company, who has long been active in supporting public higher education. Amounts of the Sweeney Scholarship awards vary. The recipients are highly motivated young men and women. Criteria for selection include academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and community service. Please inquire at the Scholarship Office for the application deadline.
The Michael A Ventresca Scholarship Program
This merit scholarship program gives consideration also to the applicant’s financial need. The Ventresca Scholarship Program awards tuition assistance for up to four years to an entering college freshman who shows commitment to helping others and aspires to a career in public service. It was created to pay tribute to the memory of Michael A Ventresca, a UMass Boston graduate (and president of the class of 1969) who devoted his life to politics and government as a political idealist, activist, and lawyer. The amount of the award varies, but is potentially renewable until graduation for one or more finalists. To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must
- be a graduate of a Massachusetts high school;
- show evidence, through extracurricular activities or community service, of concern for others and an interest in public service;
- demonstrate the potential for academic success and the prospect of continuing in public service on graduation;
- complete a university application and meet the university’s regular admission criteria.
Applications are due by April 1.
The William M Bulger Scholarship Program
In honor of Massachusetts State Senator and former university president William M Bulger, the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees established the William M Bulger Scholarship Program, to provide recognition and encouragement for students who exemplify President Bulger’s philosophy of perseverance in pursuit of educational and personal goals. Nominees are submitted by secondary school principals and headmasters. One recipient is selected to receive the Bulger Scholarship, a four-year scholarship to the university that pays for all tuition and major fees.
The nominating headmaster or principal should also submit the following materials from his or her nominee:
- three letters of recommendation, one of which should be by the nominating headmaster/principal;
- an official copy of the student’s academic record;
- a typed autobiographical essay by the nominee (no longer than 1,000 words);
- an essay by the nominee, of 500 to 1,000 words, addressing the topic “What a College Education Means to Me,” or “A College Education—Is It Valuable?”
All nominees must have made formal application to the University of Massachusetts Boston. The deadline for nomination for the scholarship and receipt of all application materials is April 30.
The Foster Furcolo Scholarship Program
This program was established in honor of former Massachusetts governor Foster Furcolo (1957-1960), who played a major role in the creation of the public community college system of the Commonwealth. Each year one entering transfer student from each of the public community colleges in the Commonwealth will be selected to participate. Participants can receive the cost of tuition and most mandatory fees for up to two years. Each recipient, to be nominated by the president of his or her institution, is expected
- to have completed an associate’s degree;
- to have achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50;
- to exemplify the success of the community college system in fulfilling the educational mission envisioned by Governor Furcolo;
- o have applied for financial aid by completing the FAFSA application;
- to have applied and been admitted to the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Each community college president must submit the name of one proposed recipient by April 15, in a letter to the Scholarship Office explaining the qualifications of the nominee for the scholarship.
The Boston Globe Taylor Scholars Program
The Boston Globe Taylor Scholars Program was established in order to provide “ranking and fiscally deserving” students in Boston public high schools with scholarships to the University of Massachusetts Boston.
One graduate annually from 12 of Boston’s public high schools is nominated by the school’s headmaster to receive a scholarship to the university of $3,000 per year for up to four consecutive years. The university also provides Taylor Scholars with ongoing assistance through a program-specific advisor to ensure the successful completion of their academic programs. A selection process will take place at the university and recipients will be named.
Scholarship recipients are expected
- to have applied and been admitted to the University of Massachusetts Boston.
- to have applied for financial aid by completing the FAFSA Application.
- to be graduates of Boston public high schools.
- to have shown, in their high school academic records, a strong potential for academic success at the college level.
- to have demonstrated a high level of student citizenship during their high school years.
Nominations for Taylor Outstanding Scholars must be made each year by April 15.
The University Scholars Program
For High School Students
Each principal of an accredited Massachusetts high school is invited to nominate graduating seniors to become University Scholars. Nominees must be ranked first or second academically and have a minimum SAT score of 1200 following the first-semester marking period. Recipients receive up to $10,000 per year toward their educational expenses. The award is renewable, provided the recipient maintains continuous full-time enrollment with an acceptable grade point average. Additional details and deadline information are available from the Scholarship Office. Nominations are made directly to the President of the University of Massachusetts each February; recipients are selected by the Chancellors. Nominees must be valid Massachusetts state residents.
For Community College Students
The president of each of the Massachusetts community colleges is invited each year to nominate a student to become a University Scholar. Scholarships of $10,000 toward the cost of education at UMass Boston are awarded to students who
- have the highest academic ranking in their graduating classes,
- have an overall grade point average of at least 3.75 at the time of nomination, and
- will have earned a transfer-designated associate’s degree.
- are valid Massachusetts state residents.
Additional details and deadline information are available from the Scholarship Office. Nominations, in December for December graduates and in March for June graduates, are made directly to the President of the University of Massachusetts.
The Student Enrollment LEADERS Program
High achieving students who are interested in representing the university at key events are encouraged to apply to the Student Enrollment LEADERS Program. Both freshman and transfer students with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 are eligible to apply. Applicants must plan to enroll full-time. Recipients will receive approximately $1,000.00 annually in scholarship funding, based upon their past academic performance. Additionally they will work 10 hours (paid) per week in one of the offices within the Division of Enrollment Services. Enrollment LEADERS will also serve as tour guides and goodwill ambassadors at several admission events throughout the year.
Applications are available from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The deadline varies, but is usually in late spring every year.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
A substantial number of additional UMass Boston scholarship opportunities are available for continuing students. Selection criteria vary widely. Applications are available from the Scholarship Office, from the deans’ offices at the Colleges, and from certain academic departments. Be sure to check for individual deadline dates. Most awards are for the second semester. You can also review opportunities on line at www.massachusetts.edu/scholarships. Always check with the Scholarship Office for details.