UMass Boston, Roxbury Community College Sign Comprehensive Joint Admission Transfer Agreement
Pact Establishes Beacon Bound Program
UMass Boston and Roxbury Community College (RCC) have signed a partnership agreement establishing a comprehensive joint admissions transfer program named Beacon Bound. The partnership is intended to provide a clear pathway for student success and improve outcomes for community college transfer students in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
“The UMass Boston community has long been enriched by the diverse life experiences and perspectives of transfer students from RCC,” said Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco. “The Beacon Bound Joint Admissions Transfer Program opens a supportive pathway for them to continue their educational journeys, find what they love, and shape meaningful careers. UMass Boston is proud to contribute to this significant public higher education partnership.”
UMass Boston welcomes more than 1,500 new transfer students annually, more than any other public university in Massachusetts. The Beacon Bound Admission Transfer Program provides a comprehensive support network and a seamless experience for transfer students looking to move from RCC to UMass Boston to continue their education. The program will begin serving students in the spring 2027 semester.
“The Beacon Bound Joint Admissions Transfer Program strengthens an outstanding partnership between RCC and UMass Boston,” said RCC President Jonathan K. Jefferson. “This new agreement facilitates our shared goal of providing learners across Greater Boston with access to true economic mobility by providing enhanced support and resources throughout the pathway to degree completion. I am grateful to our partners at UMass for their commitment to RCC students, graduates, and our greater community.”
The Beacon Bound program is designed to support the success of students who transfer from RCC to UMass Boston with an Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) or Associate of Science Degree (A.S.) through enhanced advising and guidance on academic and transfer requirements. Under the agreement, both UMass Boston and RCC will refer qualified students to participate in the program. Interested students will meet with UMass Boston’s transfer counseling team to learn more about the requirements for the program and get assistance with next steps.
Beacon Bound will also provide access to substantial financial support through the Beacon Pledge free tuition program, the Community College Advantage Scholarship, and other programs. In addition, both the application fee and new student enrollment deposit will be waived. Even prior to enrolling at UMass Boston, students in the program will have access to campus resources, including a UMass Boston Student ID, Wi-Fi, various athletic and student life events, Beacon Fitness Center, and Healey Library resources.
“UMass Boston is thrilled to enhance our partnership with RCC through this agreement,” said Joseph Berger, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “The Beacon Bound program breaks down traditional barriers for equitable access and provides tangible opportunities for belonging and student success across our two important institutions of higher education.”
“RCC’s comprehensive transfer agreement with UMass Boston goes above and beyond in providing students and graduates with a seamless transfer pathway,” said James Whitley, vice president of academic affairs at RCC. “I look forward to hearing from students benefiting from access to UMass Boston’s resources and seeing the immediate impact of this agreement, which provides a new industry standard for student success.”
About UMass Boston
The University of Massachusetts Boston is deeply rooted in the city's history yet poised to address the challenges of the future. Recognized for innovative research, metropolitan Boston’s public university offers its diverse student population both an intimate learning environment and the rich experience of a great American city. UMass Boston’s colleges and graduate schools serve 15,000 students while engaging local and global constituents through academic programs, research centers, and public service. To learn more, visit www.umb.edu.
About RCC
Roxbury Community College (RCC) is a public institution of higher education offering associate degrees, certificate programs and lifelong learning opportunities to the Greater Boston community. In 2021, the Department of Education recognized RCC as a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI), making it the only community college in the Northeast with this designation. RCC offers 24 associate degree programs, 8 credit-based certificate programs, 13 non-credit professional certification programs, 30+ lifelong learning and fitness classes, and customized incumbent worker training programs. The College hosts hundreds of civic and community events at the Reggie Lewis Center and Media Arts Center each year. RCC is committed to providing all learners with the academic and non-academic support required for degree completion and long-term success. To learn more, visit www.rcc.mass.edu.