Founders' Scholarship
Free Tuition Program for Fall 2025
UMass Dartmouth is proud to announce a transformative initiative, the UMass Dartmouth Deal, which will provide free tuition and mandatory fees to high-need, in-state undergraduate students. Read more to see if you qualify.
An elite scholarship, the Founders’ Scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees, as well as food and housing for four years for high-achieving Massachusetts residents. See below for a full list of what is and isn't covered by the Founders' Scholarship.
Your next steps
- Apply to UMassD.
- Complete the Founders' Scholarship application (log in using your UMassD application portal credentials) which includes:
- your high school transcript
- a short essay statement on why you're a good candidate
- a list of your extracurricular activities and accomplishments
- a nomination form completed by an administrator at your school*
*We will email a link to the nomination form to the administrator.
The deadline to apply is Sunday, December 8. Email founders.scholarship@umassd.edu with questions.
Eligibility
To qualify for this scholarship, you must:
- be a Massachusetts resident
- have a cumulative GPA of 4.0
- score a 1200 SAT or 25 ACT, or apply test-optional
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Submit your application, and we’ll reach out to your school counselor to discuss your eligibility.
Being a Founders' Scholar
When awarding the scholarship, we're looking for enthusiastic students who will become an integral part of our community and represent the university at admissions events. You'll be required to:
- live on campus
- work as an admissions ambassador
What's covered
After grants and scholarships are applied, the Founders' Scholarship will cover:
- tuition
- mandatory fees
- standard double room
- up to an unlimited meal plan
- university health plan if unable to meet the minimum requirements of health insurance required by Massachusetts state law
Not covered: enrollment deposit, housing deposit, books, parking permit, fines (ex. parking ticket, damaged room, etc.), and Orientation, transcript, Mass Pirg (waivable), graduation, and alumni fees
Past Founders' Scholarship recipients
