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University of Massachusetts Boston

Boston, Massachusetts

15,872 Students on Campus
Boston Location
4,921,400 Metro Population
15,872 Students on Campus
Boston Location
4,921,400 Metro Population

About This Campus

The University of Massachusetts Boston is Boston's only public research university. Its student body of more than 15,500 students is one of the most diverse in New England. The university is nationally recognized as a model of excellence for urban public universities. The scenic waterfront campus, with easy access to downtown Boston, is located next to the John F. Kennedy Library and Presidential Museum, the Commonwealth Museum and Massachusetts State Archives, and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. Part of the UMass system, UMass Boston combines a small-college experience with the vast resources of a major research university. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students easily interact with professors because most teaching occurs in small class sizes. Ninety-three percent of full-time faculty hold the highest degree in their fields.

UMass Boston students enjoy the beautiful oceanfront campus and the close proximity to downtown Boston, unlocking a world of opportunities.

Our students learn at the most diverse campus in New England, one that celebrates their identities and unique experiences.

AACSB accredited Business School (College of Management)

Helpful Information

UMass Boston attracts students from all 50 states, and more than 135 countries. Massachusetts has an excellent public transportation system and the Student Activities office offers discount passes for the transportation system (MBTA) as well as tickets to Boston events, games, museums and more. We accept students on both the host and home payment plans. Boston is one of the predominant educational hubs in the U.S. On-campus housing is limited. The Off-Campus Living Office can assist w/ housing. See the "Additional Academic Program Info" section for information about registration for Business/Management courses.

Location Information

UMass Boston is 3.5 miles from downtown Boston, the capital of Massachusetts. The educational environment is enriched by its close proximity to the many historical and cultural sites in Boston, including the adjacent John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. The campus sits on the scenic 177-acre Columbia Point, overlooking Boston Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.

Academics

REGISTRATION:
TERM DATES:

Fall Start Date: 09/02/2025 - Fall End Date: 12/19/2025

Spring Start Date: 01/26/2026 - Spring End Date: 05/22/2026

CLOSED PROGRAMS:

Nursing program. Any exclusively online program.

RESTRICTED/LIMITED PROGRAMS:

Registration for Business/Management courses may be limited. Priority registration is given to UMass Boston Business majors. Then, course registration is open to NSE students, sometime in July for the fall, and early January for spring. Registration for Exercise & Health Science courses is permitted with permission of Program Director. Enrollment may be delayed.

OTHER ACADEMIC INFORMATION:

Math placement test is generally required for registration in Math courses, including courses for which a Math course is a pre-requisite, unless student has taken equivalent Math course or required pre-requisite at home institution,

NOTABLE ACADEMICS PROGRAMS:
  • Biology (BS) — We offer a vibrant curriculum and extensive opportunities for mentoring and hands-on research experiences as a means of developing a deeper understanding of biology at the levels of molecules, cells, organisms, and the ecosystem. We stress the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills both in the classroom and by undergraduate students conducting original research in faculty laboratories.
  • Business Administration/Management — The College of Management is Boston’s only public business school accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the gold standard for business schools. This designation is only earned by five percent of business schools worldwide! The Management BS is designed to immerse you in both business theory and practice. With the guidance of an esteemed faculty of business professionals, you’ll emerge prepared with the entrepreneurial, communication, ethical, and critical thinking skills you need to achieve your goals.
  • Communication — As an academic field, communication is exceptionally diverse. Scholarly influence from the fields of psychology, sociology, cultural studies, economics, library science, rhetoric and language studies, and cultural anthropology can be felt throughout the discipline. The communication major and minor are designed to prepare students for careers in media, public policy, corporate communication, human resources, advertising, and many, many more!
  • Environmental Sciences (BA/BS) — Our award winning, nationally recognized BS in Environmental Science program is grounded in the natural sciences integrating biology, chemistry, physics, and geology with the social sciences to prepare the next generation of innovators and knowledge creators. Students gain essential skills in ecology, geology, hydrology, and marine science and apply these skills to critical challenges facing coastal marine systems in the Boston metropolitan area. Our waterfront campus is situated on one of the most dynamic and rich urban coastal regions there is. We work within one of the most active environmental communities in the U.S.
  • Psychology (BA/BS) — UMass Boston's Department of Psychology in the College of Liberal Arts is your gateway to a rich and diverse world of understanding human behavior and cognition. Our dedicated faculty members are both educators and active researchers, offering a range of educational and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Our graduates embark on diverse career paths, including roles as psychologists, social workers, educators, business managers, and human resource specialists.
UNIQUE ACADEMICS PROGRAMS:
  • Aging Studies (BA) — This program introduces you to the issues, questions, perspectives, needs, and contributions of older persons. In Aging Studies classes, you will gain a deep understanding of the physiological, psychological, social, and economic aspects of aging, and acquire research and practical skills critical to your professional development, including program planning and evaluation, policy analysis, geriatric assessment, and working with diverse populations.
  • Clean Energy and Sustainability (Minor) — Clean energy is rapidly becoming one of the fastest growing sectors of the US and global economy. With the goal that these new sources provide sustainable, dependable, and clean fuel for our current and future needs, there is enormous pressure on the industry to thrive and for it to do so while sustainably using natural resources and have a positive impact on the ecosystems on which we depend.
  • Labor Studies (BA) — As a student in the Labor Studies BA program at UMass Boston, you will acquire the skills you need to analyze historical controversies and to think strategically about social, political, and economic change. You will build a strong foundation for a variety of occupations and prepare to be active in your own labor and community organizations.
  • Native American and Indigenous Studies Program — The Native American and Indigenous Studies Program (NAIS) is an undergraduate interdisciplinary program, currently offering a minor that is open to all students at UMass Boston. Goals of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Program: - to add complexity to “history” through teaching about diverse Native American and Indigenous histories and experiences - to explore social, political, economic, cultural, and environmental issues affecting Indigenous people, communities, and nations in the United States and around the world, both past and present - to equip students with methodological and theoretical tools for living in our complex and interconnected world - to engage with Indigenous peoples, communities and issues in local, global, and transnational perspectives - to engage the University of Massachusetts Boston’s urban mission by attracting, supporting and retaining Indigenous students, and working with local community partners to establish a strong presence and support for Native students and NAIS academic studies.
  • Urban Public Health — With a unique focus on urban populations and the social determinants of health and health disparities, the Urban Public Health Department aligns with the mission of UMass Boston and MCNHS vision, “to improve the health of diverse urban populations through the integration of teaching, targeted research, service, practice and health policy in partnership with others.”
OPTIONS:

Honors Access: Yes

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS OPEN TO NSE STUDENTS:

Conditions

GPA AND OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
EXCHANGE PREFERENCES:
  • Full Year Exchange: Accepted
  • Single Term Exchange: Accepted
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (Visa Students):
  • Receive from Canada: Will Accept Away/Home Pay
  • Does your campus accept International Students (those already in the U.S. on a student visa)?Home or Away
CANADIAN EXCHANGE:
Learn More
  • Accept international students studying in Canada on a visa? - Yes
  • Accept Canadian students on J1 visa or F1 visa? - J1 Visa F1 Visa

Tuition/Finance

Figures per Semester are current as of 12/22/2025
TUITION:
  • Campus Budget
  • Fees are subject to change without notice
  • Home Tuition Payment: Available
  • Away Tuition Payment: Available
    Estimated cost:
    Per Term Tuition (Resident-Rate) - $7906
    Per Term Mandatory Fees - $0
MAXIMUM CREDIT HOURS PER SEMESTER:
  • Home Payment: 17
  • Host Payment: 17
MISCELLANEOUS FEES:
Purpose
Amount
Period
Plan
Status
Registrar's Service Fee
$10
Term
Away & Home
Mandatory
ID Card
$12
Term
Away & Home
Mandatory
Transportation Fee
$20
Term
Away & Home
Mandatory
Education Abroad Engagement Fee
$5
Term
Away & Home
Mandatory

Canadian students may incur additional fees relating to their student visa and services provided by the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office.

Financial Aid for NSE Students. Regardless of Payment Plan, financial aid is awarded by and disbursed from your home campus.

Room/Meals

Figures per Semester are current as of 12/22/2025
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING PER SEMESER:
  • Is on-campus housing available? Yes
  • Is on-campus living required? No
  • Number of reserved housing spaces: 15
  • Average Room Cost (per term): $5970
  • On-Campus Housing
Off-CAMPUS HOUSING:
NOTES ABOUT ON-CAMPUS HOUSING:

On-campus housing is extremely limited, particularly in the fall semester. On-campus housing deadlines are generally June 1st for the fall semester and December 15th for the spring semester. The university provides resources for off-campus housing. The Office of Off-Campus Living can assist you with all your off-campus housing needs. They are available to help inform your off-campus and commuting experiences.

NOTES ABOUT OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING:

The university provides resources for off-campus housing. The Office of Off-Campus Living can assist you with all your off-campus housing needs. They are available to help inform your off-campus and commuting experiences. For more information, consult the Office of Off-Campus Living website.

MEAL PLANS:
  • Are meal plans available on campus? Yes
  • Is a meal plan purchase required for on-campus, non-apartment residence halls? Yes
  • Average Meal Plan Cost (per term): $3325
  • Campus Meal Plans
NOTES ABOUT MEAL PLANS:

Students living on campus in a Residence Hall are required to participate in a Resident Meal Plan. Students may choose from the Resident Meal Plan 14 Swipe* or the Resident Unlimited Swipe Plans that includes a combination of: Meal "Swipes" Used in the all-you-care-to-eat Dining Commons in the Residence Hall. Meal swipes do not carry over from week to week and they reset every Saturday. Guest Meals Bring a friend or family member to eat in the Resident Dining Commons. Dining Points (1 point = $1) Can be used at any on-campus retail dining facility and are deducted based on the dollar amount spent. Retail dining locations include Food Court, Dunkin' Donuts, Beacon Cafe, ISC Cafe, and UMarket (convenience store in the Residence Hall).

Fees are subject to change without notice.

Chance of Acceptance

Priority Placements for Academic Year 26/27

If this is your top choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Excellent

This campus accepts most (75%+) applicants. You may want to consider adding alternate choice campuses marked as OPEN or EXCELLENT to ensure placement.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

If this is your alternate choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Limited

This campus usually accepts less than 50% of students that request it. Be prepared to be placed at an alternative choice. If applying to a site with a 'limited' chance of placement, we suggest that you list a minimum of 3-5 campuses on your application, with one to two sites that have an OPEN or EXCELLENT chance of acceptance.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

Excellent

This campus accepts most (75%+) applicants. You may want to consider adding alternate choice campuses marked as OPEN or EXCELLENT to ensure placement.

Resources

CAMPUS SOCIAL MEDIA: