UMass Boston

Undocumented Student Resources

The University of Massachusetts Boston is the most diverse university in New England and offers a welcoming college community. We encourage all students, regardless of citizenship status or country of origin, to apply for admission to the university. We encourage students to review the information below to learn more about the application process and financial resources available for undocumented students. 

Tuition Equity Law & In-State Tuition Benefit

In July 2023, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed the “High School Completers” Tuition Equity Law, expanding access to in-state tuition and state financial aid for students who have attended high school in Massachusetts and obtained a high school diploma or equivalent in Massachusetts. The Tuition Equity Law provides a pathway for certain non-US citizen students, including undocumented students, to access in-state tuition and state financial aid.

To quality, students must:

  • Attend at least three years of high school in Massachusetts.
  • Graduate from a Massachusetts high school or receive the equivalent of a high school diploma (for example, a GED) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • Eligible non-U.S. citizens, including undocumented students, may qualify. Review a list of visa classifications that are ineligible to qualify for Tuition Equity.
  • Apply for military Selective Service if eligible.
  • Provide a valid Social Security Number, tax identification number, or a completed Tuition Equity Affidavit.

For Frequently Asked Questions on the Tuition Equity Law, please visit this website.

Current Students Enrolled Prior to Fall 2024

New Students Enrolling Fall 2024 or Beyond

  • The Office of Admissions will be in contact regarding next steps and eligibility.
  • New undergraduate students should contact undergrad.admissions@umb.edu or call 617.287.6100.
  • New graduate students should contact graduate.admissions@umb.edu or call 617.287.6100.
  • The Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MAFSA) for the 2024-2025 academic year will be available in spring 2024.

For Frequently Asked Questions on the Tuition Equity Law, please visit this website.

Financing Your Education

Students who meet the criteria outlined by the Tuition Equity Law will be eligible to be considered for the following:

TheDream.US Scholarship

TheDream.US is the nation's largest college access and success program for undocumented immigrant students. 

With no access to federal and limited access to state financial aid, staff at TheDream.US work with a community of partners to provide Dreamers an opportunity to obtain a college education by providing financial resources to make these students’ dreams a reality. In doing so, the scholarship program helps to address barriers and challenges facing undocumented students by providing them with funding to make up for the gap caused by a lack of federal financial aid resources.

These scholarships are for highly-motivated undocumented students who want to get a college education but are unable to afford the cost. UMass Boston students may qualify to receive The National Scholarship, which is for first-time, current, or previously enrolled college students. Students should apply on the organization’s website. 

To qualify, students need to be undocumented or have DACA or TPS status, have significant unmet financial need, have graduated from a U.S. High School before Fall 2024, have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, be eligible for in-state tuition, and intend to enroll full-time in a bachelor’s degree. Scholarship funds may total up to $8,250 per academic year for each student.

Learn More

Apply for Admission

Students are encouraged to apply online using either the Common Application or UMass Boston’s online application. When completing the application students should indicate that they are a non-U.S. citizen and a Massachusetts resident.

Contact Us

Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by phone at 617.287.6100 or by email so we can assist you with the process. Admissions Counselors are also available for individual appointments throughout the college application process.

Campus Resources