DARTMOUTH (WBSM) — A new “deal” announced by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth will provide free tuition and mandatory fees to Bay State undergraduates who meet specific criteria.

Dubbed “The UMass Dartmouth Deal,” the plan – which the university has called “transformative” – will allow for free tuition and mandatory fees for high-need, in-state undergrads through the MASSGRANT program.

"I want to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts Legislature for their commitment to public higher education,” UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Mark A. Fuller said. “Through this initiative and the support of the MASSGRANT program, UMass Dartmouth is committed to ensuring that Massachusetts students from working families have the opportunity to get a world-class education.”

Who Is Eligible for the UMass Dartmouth Deal?

The program will be available to in-state undergraduate students with an annual family income of $75,000 or less.

It will provide “tuition and fee support and access to a robust network of academic and professional resources like financial literacy workshops and additional scholarships to assist with costs such as books and housing,” UMass Dartmouth said in a release.

The UMass Dartmouth Deal will also guarantee eligible students a room in on-campus housing.

When Will Students Be Eligible to Take Advantage of the UMass Dartmouth Deal?

The initiative is expected to begin with the fall semester in 2025.

How Many Students Will Be Eligible and How Do They Get the UMass Dartmouth Deal?

According to UMass Dartmouth, roughly 1,500 students are expected to qualify for the deal.

“To make it easier for students, they will not have to complete a separate application for the program and will be automatically enrolled if eligible,” the university said. Eligibility requirements and other program information can be found at umassd.edu/deal.

What Can You Do If You're Not Eligible for the UMass Dartmouth Deal?

UMass Dartmouth still provides financial aid to many students, noting it awarded over $21 million to students last year.

Also, Governor Maura Healey's MassEducate program allows for all Bay State residents who have not yet received a bachelor's degree to receive a free community college education.

What They’re Saying About the UMass Dartmouth Deal

"UMass Dartmouth is doing an excellent job at conveying the affordability of a UMass degree, and I thank Chancellor Fuller and the other UMass chancellors for their efforts to communicate that fact to Massachusetts students and families," UMass President Marty Meehan said. "The UMass system has made record investments in university-funded financial aid, increasing aid by 73 percent to a total of $409 million since 2015. This significant university aid, combined with the visionary expansion of MASSGrant Plus from the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature, has made it possible for the four undergraduate campuses to cover tuition and mandatory fees for the students with the greatest need."

“I want to congratulate UMass Dartmouth for their commitment to providing educational pathways for our students. The work we have done in the Legislature in collaboration with the Healey-Driscoll administration continues to provide young people in the Commonwealth the opportunity to earn an excellent education at an affordable cost. Improving access to higher education will strengthen our local communities and economy,” said Representative Tony Cabral.

"Accessible and affordable education is the hand-up that many in our community need as they pursue their highest potential," said Representative Chris Markey. "UMass Dartmouth will continue to enrich and strengthen the foundation of the South Coast by implementing free tuition and fees to high-need Massachusetts residents. This commitment to our community will provide our young people the tools to achieve their brightest future."

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