The University of Massachusetts offers quality education at an affordable price, and, to prove its point, the UMASS Lowell (University of Massachusetts Lowell) currently has six different colleges dedicated to fully-accredited academic programs.
In addition, the UMASS Lowell has provided many scholarships opportunities that incoming students can apply for. Having colleges in business, education, engineering, arts, sciences, and medicine, the University of Massachusetts is a great place to make your dreams come true.
Types of Merit Scholarships Offered at UMASS Lowell
Even though it says merit scholarships, the University of Massachusetts do offer scholarships that are based on financial need. If you want to be fully prepared, it is not a bad idea to file FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) since the federal government can see your demonstrated financial need through FAFSA.
1. Merit Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen
Within this category, the merit scholarship splits into two groups, which are incoming freshmen with Massachusetts residency and students from out-of-state.
A. Chancellor’s Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be in the top 5 % of the admitted incoming freshmen class
- Be a permanent resident of Massachusetts
Scholarship Value: Full tuition + Mandatory fees
Even though Chancellor’s Scholarships are highly sought after, the University of Massachusetts does not require a separate application. Just apply for admissions, and eligible applicants will be automatically considered for this scholarship.
B. Tsongas Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a graduate of Lowell High School
- Be a permanent resident of Massachusetts
- Be in the TOP 2 of the incoming freshmen class academically
Scholarship Value: Full tuition, Room & Board, and Mandatory fees
Because the applicant needs to be a graduate of Lowell High School, the University of Massachusetts requires a separate application that can be received only by the Headmaster of Lowell High School.
C. Dean’s Scholarship Program
Eligibility Requirement:
- Be in the top 10% of the incoming freshmen class in academics
Scholarship Value: Half mandatory fees
Compared to other scholarships, Dean’s Scholarship Program by UMASS Lowell does not award that much; however, even little scholarship money is better than no scholarship at all!
That doesn’t mean that you should be satisfied with this scholarship, but I would encourage you to excel in academics if you are slacking in school. Make sure to bring that grade up higher if you want to get one of the full-ride scholarships.
To be honest, some universities offer low-value scholarships to out-of-state students and full-ride scholarships to in-state students. This practice discourages out-of-state students from applying but encourages more students to come in from their own state.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell practices this concept by offering low-value scholarships to Non-Residents of Massachusetts, and high-value scholarships to Massachusetts Residents.
A. UMASS Lowell Legacy Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a Non-Resident of Massachusetts
- Be a child or a grandchild of UMASS Lowell graduate
- Submitted a separate scholarship application
Scholarship Value: $5,000 ~ $10,000 per year
B. Out-of-State and International Scholarships
Eligibility Requirement:
- Be a Non-Resident of Massachusetts OR International Student
Scholarship Value: $10,000 ~ $20,000 per year
Since there are numbers going into the scholarship values, you can know exactly what you are getting by looking at the total cost of attending University of Massachusetts. View your tuition fee at Full-Time Undergraduate Students.
For further information, view Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen.
2. Merit Scholarships for Transfer Students
This section is available to undergraduate students who are transferring to University of Massachusetts Lowell.
A. UMASS Lowell Transfer Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a Massachusetts Resident
- Transfer at least 24 credits
- Have strong academic achievements
Scholarship Value: $2,500 per year
This scholarship is merit-based, which means there is no need for a separate application.
B. UMASS Lowell Legacy Scholarships
This scholarship is also listed in the scholarships for incoming freshmen under Non-Residents of Massachusetts. To avoid repeating the same information, please scroll up to see the eligibility requirements and scholarship value.
Also, there are additional scholarships that apply for freshmen and also for transfer students. If you are a transfer student, make sure you read the scholarship eligibility requirements using the link down below.
For further information, view Incoming Transfer Scholarships.
3. ROTC Scholarships
Being one of the headquarters of Army ROTC, the University of Massachusetts Lowell provides additional scholarships to military cadets, veterans, or family members who are related to an active duty member or a veteran.
For specific details, visit ROTC & Military Scholarships.
4. Private Scholarships
The University of Massachusetts Lowell provides external scholarships that are funded by private organizations, corporations, and donors. Sometimes, the scholarships from the University of Massachusetts are not enough. In that case, it is encouraged to apply to many private scholarships as you can. Make sure to apply on time and also apply as early as you can!
For further information, view Private Scholarship Opportunities.
Scholarship Search Engine
In order to simplify the scholarship application, the University of Massachusetts Lowell has created a scholarship portal for incoming students. After you fill your information in, the UMASS Lowell will automatically match you with scholarships.
In addition to scholarships, the University of Massachusetts offers other options of financial aid. Since the basic requirement for all need-based aid is the FAFSA, the university provides tips and detailed video guide to help you through the process.
If you need help, please view Applying for Financial Aid, and, if applying for a scholarship and need-based grants are not enough, then consider this last option.
Personally, I would not recommend this option since loans are money that needs to be repaid. In most cases, loans come with attached interest rates while some do not. Make sure that you read all the requirements and obligations to avoid having a ruined credit reputation.
This is the end for the University of Massachusetts Scholarships, and please visit Authority Scholarships for more scholarship guides of great universities!
