UMass Boston

Financial Aid

UMass Boston
Campus Center, 4th Floor
100 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125

Phone: 617.287.6300
Fax: 617.287.6323
Merit-Based Scholarship

Scholarships for Continuing Students

Have questions about scholarships? Schedule a one-on-one appointment with us.

Each year UMass Boston offers hundreds of scholarships to continuing students. 

Submit a Merit Scholarship Application Today!

While any current UMass Boston student is welcome to submit a scholarship application, competitive applications will typically require applicants:

  • Have a minimum of 24 credits completed at UMass Boston
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.0
  • Be enrolled in a degree granting program

Once you have completed your scholarship application you will be able to view scholarship opportunities that may require additional steps for consideration. Browse these opportunities by clicking recommended opportunities on your AcademicWorks home page and following the Apply Now buttons. Please note priority may be given to students who do not already have significant scholarship aid. 

Check back often as we update the scholarship opportunities available each semester.

Awards made through this process are typically one-time awards.

If selected for one of our competitive continuing student scholarship awards the amount may range from $500 to as much as $4,000.

If you have any questions about continuing student scholarships please contact us at merit.scholarships@umb.edu.

 

The College of Education and Human Development Conditional Scholarships - Deadline: Friday, September 29, 2023

The CEHD Scholarships are determined each semester for students who meet the eligibility criteria below. A number of awards will be made from different scholarship awards through this application:

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a current degree seeking undergraduate or graduate student in the College of Education and Human Development
  • Be entering the practicum portion of their degree program this semester
  • Have completed 24 credits or more at UMass Boston
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

How to Apply:

CEHD students who complete a general scholarship application will then be prompted to answer the CEHD specific questions below:

  1. Are you entering the practicum portion of your degree?
  2. Are you planning on teaching in an urban setting?
  3. Are you planning to become a teacher in the Boston Metropolitan area?

The New Balance Scholarship - Deadline: Friday, September 29, 2023

The New Balance Scholarship was established to support students in the New Balance Sports Leadership Program.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a current undergraduate student in the Sports Leadership Program
  • Must be in good academic standing

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application by the application deadline.

The Non-Resident Scholarship for Out-of-State and International Students- Deadline: Wednesday, October 4, 2023

This scholarship opportunity is open to students who are not Massachusetts Residents, students who are being charged out-of-state tuition. U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, and International Students are eligible to apply. Awards from the Non-Resident Scholarship are typically up to $3,000 and decisions should be announced in late October.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a degree seeking undergraduate student
  • Must have a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Has completed a minimum of 24 credits at UMass Boston
  • Enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits in the current semester

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application by the application deadline.

ABSN Fuld Scholarship: Deadline: Friday, October 6, 2023

This Scholarship Fund is for Accelerated Nursing students in the fall semester each year who might otherwise not be eligible to apply for continuing student funding based on the timing of their degree program. Awards of up to $1,000 will be assigned to a limited number of recipients for the fall 2023 semester.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a degree seeking undergraduate student in the Accelerated Nursing Program
  • Must be in good academic standing

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application by the application deadline.

The Anderson Family Scholarship - Deadline: Friday, October 20, 2023

This endowed fund provides an undergraduate scholarship which will be applied against tuition for one or two management students per year. The scholarship will be acknowledged at the College of Management Convocation in the Spring Semester. Recipient must hold an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in Finance or Accounting concentration with at least two concentration courses completed.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a degree seeking undergraduate student in the College of Management
  • Must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Must be a graduate of a Boston High School
  • Preference for students who have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in Finance or Accounting concentration with at least two concentration courses complete

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application by the application deadline.

The Arthur and Tiffany Brown Scholarship - Deadline: Friday, October 20, 2023

The purpose of the Fund will be to provide financial support to a student enrolled in the College of Management. Preference will be given to a student from Hyde Park who attended a public high school. If there are no eligible students from Hyde Park, it will be awarded to a student who attended a public high school in Suffolk County. Awards of up to $1,000 will be made from this fund.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a degree seeking undergraduate student in the College of Management
  • Must have a 3.25 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Must be a graduate of a Boston High School
  • Must have completed a minimum of 30 credits at UMass Boston
  • Must have a FAFSA on file for the current academic year with unmet financial need.

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application by the application deadline.

The Krystle Campbell Scholarship - Deadline: Friday, October 20, 2023

UMass Boston mourns the tragic loss of Krystle Campbell who was killed senselessly in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. The university honored Krystle’s memory through its award of a posthumous degree to the former student in 2013 and the establishment of a scholarship in her name. The Krystle Campbell Scholarship will support scholarships that advance students, like Krystle Campbell, interested in pursuing careers in business.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a full-time, degree seeking undergraduate student in the College of Management
  • Must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Must have a FAFSA on file for the current academic year with unmet financial need.

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application and then complete the opportunity specific questions as listed below:

  1. Please submit a short answer that reflects what receiving the Krystle Campbell Scholarship- created in memory of UMass Boston alumna and a 2013 victim of the Boston Marathon bombing- would mean to you.
  2. Selected Krystle Campbell Scholarship recipients will be asked to attend a luncheon on a Saturday, in April and give a short speech about what receiving the scholarship means to them and how it will help them. Would you be comfortable with this?

The Mary Thistle '83 and Family Scholarship - Deadline: Friday, October 20, 2023

The purpose of this fund is to provide scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students within the College of Management.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a degree seeking student in the College of Management
  • Must be in good academic standing

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application by the application deadline.

The Sam Wilson Scholarship - Deadline: Friday, October 20, 2023

To be awarded as a direct grant to a student in the Educational Opportunities Program (or its successor programs) who has already completed three courses at UMass Boston. Awards of up to $2,500 will be made from this opportunity.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a degree seeking undergraduate student in the College of Management
  • Must have a 2.75 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Must have a FAFSA on file for the current academic year with unmet financial need.

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application and then complete the opportunity specific questions as listed below.

  1. Please submit an essay of approximately 750 words which discusses how the following ideals valued by Sam Wilson are reflected in your own life: Dedication to work, a sense of excellence, and enthusiasm for life.

The Dr. Jebediah Gaffney Scholarship - Deadline: Friday, October 20, 2023

The purpose of the Fund will be to award an annual Dr. Jebediah Gaffney Scholarship to a full-time undergraduate student with 30 credits or more who is pursuing a degree in Psychology. Preference will be given for students pursuing careers in addiction or substance abuse counseling. A committee formed by the Psychology Department will select the annual recipient.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a full-time, degree seeking undergraduate student
  • Must be a Psychology major
  • Must be an In-State student
  • Must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Must have completed a minimum of 30 credits at UMass Boston
  • Must have a FAFSA on file for the current academic year with unmet financial need.

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application and then complete the opportunity specific questions as listed below:

  1. Please explain why you are a psychology major and your career aspirations upon graduation.

The Comprehensive Scholarship - Deadline: Friday, October 27, 2023

The Comprehensive Scholarship Application will put students in the running for many scholarships that the Merit Scholarship Office offers. Any student awarded a scholarship from this process will have the funds posted towards their student account for the current academic year as a one-time scholarship. Funding decisions are expected in early December with recipients receiving awards from $400 to $3,000 to their spring 2024 semester bill.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be an In-State student
  • Must be a degree seeking undergraduate student
  • Enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) for the fall 2023 semester
  • Have completed a minimum of 24 credits at UMass Boston
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher
  • Not graduating in the fall 2023 semester

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application by the application deadline.

The Rev. Dr. J. Theodore Klein Scholarship - Deadline: Tuesday, October 31, 2023

The purpose of the Rev. Dr. J. Theodore Klein Scholarship is to aid students studying Philosophy and Ethical Philosophy. The Philosophy Department is honored to host this legacy, which memorializes Professor Klein’s scholarship on the ethics of care, service to his community, and dedication as an educator.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be a undergraduate philosophy major
  • Must have at least 24 credits completed at UMass Boston
  • Must have a letter of recommendation from a UMB philosophy faculty member (listed under the optional letter of recommendation of the application)

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application by the application deadline.

The Chemistry Conditional Scholarships: Deadline November 9, 2023

This opportunity is made up from a number of scholarships geared towards chemistry and biochemistry majors. The scholarships include: The Edward Shapiro Scholarship, The Berkeley Cue Scholarship, and The Ethel and Herman Rosansky Scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a current degree seeking undergraduate student
  • Be a chemistry or biochemistry major
  • Must be in good academic standing

How to Apply:

Chemistry students who complete a general scholarship application then be prompted to answer the Chemistry Conditional Scholarship specific questions below:

  1. Please provide a letter of recommendation from a UMass Boston Chemistry or Biochemistry faculty member.

The Immigrant Achievers Scholarship - Deadline: Friday, November 17, 2023

Tam Tran and Cinthya Felix were nationally recognized immigrant graduate student leaders from Brown and Columbia Universities. They worked tirelessly on behalf of the DREAM Act movement, but their lives were tragically cut short in a car accident in 2011. This scholarship has been created with that in mind, and students who are immigrants or the children of immigrants are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to those who demonstrate a future commitment to community engagement and are in need of financial assistance but are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a degree seeking undergraduate student
  • Must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits or more)
  • Must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Eligibility for federal financial aid is not required.
  • Preference for students who immigrated to the U.S. as a minor or do you have at least one parent or guardian who is an immigrant

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application and then complete the opportunity specific questions as listed below.

  1. Did you Immigrate to the U.S. as a minor or do you have at least one parent or guardian who is an immigrant?
  2. Describe how your personal or family immigrant history and financial hardships make you eligible for this scholarship. Explain how you feel you embody the hopes, aspirations, and passion of Tam Tran and Cinthya Felix through a) your past and/or current community service that benefits low-income immigrant communities; b) your future plans or goals to contribute to your campus, community, or a social cause.
  3. Provide one letter of recommendation from a professor, counselor, teacher, employer, or community leader (such as a pastor, monk, elected official, etc.) who can attest to your hopes, aspirations, contributions, and commitment to benefitting low-income immigrant community/communities.

The Susan Cunningham Campbell Scholarship - Deadline: Friday, December 1, 2023

The Susan Cunningham Campbell Endowed Scholarship is a bequest to both the Boston and Amherst campuses of the University of Massachusetts. The endowment was set up in 2003 by the estate of Susan Cunningham Campbell, who had expressed wishes prior to her death to support music at the University of Massachusetts in perpetuity.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a degree seeking Music or Music Education major
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or higher

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application and then complete the opportunity specific questions as listed below:

  1. Are you a declared freshman music major (0-29 credits), non-freshman music major (30+ credits), or music education major?
  2. What is your major instrument?
  3. Please provide a brief essay (up to 400 words) addressing one of the following: 1. What does it mean to be a music major at UMass Boston? 2. Why is music education important to society? 3. What is “musical excellence?”
  4. Please provide a letter of recommendation from a current UMB music faculty.
  5. Please provide an Audition (.mp4) [Departmental juries may be used for this purpose]

The Evonne Hill-Shepard Memorial Award - Deadline: Friday, December 8, 2023

To provide support for students and student related activities and programs in the College of Public and Community Service.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Open to undergraduate or graduate Human Services majors
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of a 2.5 or higher

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application by the application deadline.

The West End Scholarship - Deadline: Friday, December 8th 2023

To provide annual scholarship support for students enrolled in traditionally College of Public and Community Service majors. Recipients must be enrolled full-time in the award semester. Additional preference will be given to students who are parenting.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a undergraduate Human Services major
  • Must have a FAFSA on file for the current academic year
  • Preference for students who have had a gap in their studies prior to enrolling in UMass Boston
  • Preference for those responsible for parenting a child

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application and then complete the opportunity specifice questions as listed below:

  1. Have you been out of higher education programs for two or more years prior to your enrollment at UMass Boston?
  2. Are you responsible for parenting a child or children who live with you?
  3. Please attach a statement or essay discussing and /or describing yourself and your reasons for attending pursuing your major and why you believe you should be considered as a recipient of the West End Scholarship.

The Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences Conditional Scholarships - Deadline: Friday, February 9, 2024

The MCNHS Scholarships are determined each semester for students who meet the eligibility criteria below. A number of awards will be made from different scholarship awards through this application:

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a current degree seeking undergraduate or graduate student in the Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences
  • Must be in good academic standing
  • Must not be graduating in the fall 2023 semester

How to Apply:

MCNHS students who complete a general scholarship application will then be prompted to answer the MCNHS specific questions below:

  1. Are you a single, working parent?
  2. Are you a graduate of Arlington High School or Arlington Catholic School?
  3. If applicable, please summarize your work with developmentally-delayed or mentally-impared individuals, and /or research you have done related to developmentally delayed adults or children. (maximum 250 word count)
  4. Please describe any work experiences you have in elder care or comment if you have a specific interest in working with the elderly. (maximum 250 word count)
  5. Have you worked in a hospital or healthcare facility in the City of Boston for 10 years or longer?
  6. Please list all relevant employments, including dates and organizations:
  7. Please list your Nursing Credentials:
  8. Have you lived or studied in Guyana, the Caribbean or Africa? If "Yes" please elaborate:

The Barron Internship Award: Deadline: Friday, February 23, 2024

The purpose of the Fund is to provide two undergraduate students per year with financial resources that allow them to participate in Congressional internships in Washington D.C. Recipients will be known as Barron Interns. This award is for the 2024/2025 academic year.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Are you planning on participating in a Congressional Internship in Washington D.C. in the upcoming 2024/2025 academic year

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application and then complete the opportunity specific questions as listed below:

  1. Are you planning to participate in a Congressional Internship in Washington D.C. this coming academic year?
  2. If Yes please share any details about your planned internship.

The David C. Knapp Political Science Scholarship - Deadline: Friday, February 23, 2024

This scholarship is named for David C. Knapp, a former Political Scientist and President of the University of Massachusetts who wished to promote the study of politics and public affairs. It is awarded to a student primarily on the basis of outstanding academic performance, but also considers additional factors such as public and community service, career goals, and personal background. This award will provide two awards of up to $2,500.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must have completed at least 3 UMass Boston Political Science classes
  • Must be a full-time undergraduate student
  • Must have earned a minimum of 30 credits at UMass Boston

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application and then complete the opportunity specific questions as listed below:

  1. Have you taken at least 3 UMB political science classes?
  2. Please address any public or community service you have undertaken, or would like to undertake, as well as explain the value you see in such service from a political science, as well as personal, point of view. (500-600 word essay)
  3. Please upload your current resume

The Elizabeth Bussiere Scholarship - Deadline: Friday, February 23, 2024

This scholarship is named for Elizabeth Bussiere, a political science professor at UMASS Boston, for her dedication and commitment to UMB students. It is awarded to political science majors on the basis of their outstanding academic performance and their interest in public policy, law, social justice and community service, broadly defined and related to U.S., comparative, or international politics.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be a Political Science or International Relations major
  • Must be a full-time undergraduate student
  • Must have earned a minimum of 12 credits at UMass Boston

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application and then complete the opportunity specific questions as listed below:

  1. Please upload your current resume
  2. Please describe a political issue that you feel passionately about and the value you see in using a Political Science approach in order to understand it. (600-800 word essay)

The Jalal Alamgir Memorial Scholarship - Deadline: Friday, February 23, 2024

The Political Science Department is pleased to announce the Jalal Alamgir Scholarship to be awarded to an outstanding junior-level student in Political Science, International Relations or any other major in the university, who has demonstrated serious interest in and/or intention to pursue further study in the areas of democracy, development, and social justice. Focus on areas of Global South is preferable but not a requirement. These issues were near and dear to the heart of UMass Boston Professor Jalal Alamgir, for whom this scholarship is named in memory.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be have a demonstrated interest in and/or intention to pursue further study in the areas of democracy, development, and social justice
  • Must be a full-time undergraduate student
  • Must be a junior-level student
  • Must have a 3.4 or higher cumulative GPA

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application and then complete the opportunity specific questions as listed below:

  1. Please explain your current or future interest in studying democracy, development and social justice. (600-800 word essay)
  2. Please upload your current resume

The Roger Feinstein Memorial Scholarship for First Generation Students - Deadline: Friday, February 23, 2024

Provided by a 1992 alumnus of the University of Massachusetts Boston, The Roger Feinstein Memorial Scholarship for First Generation Students is named for a beloved member of the Political Science faculty. It is intended to provide tuition and fees support for the Fall 2023 semester to students who are the first in their family to attend college. Himself a first-generation college graduate, this scholarship is made possible by a generous alumnus of UMass Boston’s Political Science Department. He continues to support first generation students who intend to contribute to society and their communities by working on important social issues. This award is for the upcoming 2024/2025 academic year.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be a first generation college student
  • Must be a U.S Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Must have earned a minimum of 90 college credits

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application and then complete the opportunity specific questions as listed below:

  1. Please provide a short answer (500 words or less) describing some challenges you have overcome, your academic interests, and how your intended career path will improve US society in some way.

The Rusty Simonds Award - Deadline, Friday, February 23, 2024

This scholarship is named for Arthur P. (Rusty) Simonds, an expert in political theory and member of the Political Science Department at UMB for over thirty years. Rusty was an inspiration and a beloved figure to many in the UMB community. Named in his honor, this award is given to an outstanding UMB junior or senior who demonstrates an interest in political theory and who intends to pursue an advanced degree.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be a full-time degree seeking undergraduate student
  • Must have a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Have completed a minimum of 60 credits at UMass Boston

How to Apply:

If you meet the eligibility criteria as listed above please submit a general scholarship application and then complete the opportunity specific questions as listed below:

  1. Please upload your current resume
  2. Please address why you are interested in political theory, or explain who your favorite political theorist is and why. (500-600 word essay)

 

  • We also encourage you to explore Fellowships Opportunities.
  • For students interested in the U.S. Coast Guard's College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) Scholarship please visit Outside Scholarships.
  • Please check back often for more scholarship opportunities as new opportunities become available throughout the academic year.

The GRAD Last Mile Scholarship – Deadline: Rolling Until the Funds Have Been Exhausted

The purpose of the GRAD Last Mile Fund is to aid students who have non-academic costs that are preventing them from completing their degree, and to help pay university costs, if no other university-based fund is available. The maximum award for the GRAD Last Mile Scholarship is $2,500.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be an in-state undergraduate student
  • Must be graduating in the fall 2023, spring 2024, or summer 24 semester
  • Must have exhausted all available financial aid, including subsidized/unsubsidized loans
  • Must have a financial roadblock that is preventing you from completing your degree (this can include but is not limited to child care, transportation, or past due balances)

How to Apply:

Apply for this award. This is the only scholarship application not in our AcademicWorks Scholarship System.