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Your Future, Tuition-Free

Make college possible. Eligible Massachusetts students from families earning $75,000 or less can attend UMass Dartmouth without paying tuition or mandatory fees—so you can focus on learning, not the bill.

Your Future, Tuition-Free

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The UMass Dartmouth Deal

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The Dartmouth Deal

It's easy! Once you submit your application and financial aid information, you'll automatically be considered for the Dartmouth Deal.*

Here's how it works

  1. Apply to UMassD – Submit your application through our standard admissions process.
  2. Submit your financial aid application – Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) and send it to UMassD.

That’s it! If you qualify for the Dartmouth Deal, your tuition and mandatory fees will be covered by federal, state, and institutional aid.

*You must be a Massachusetts resident to be eligible. 

Important dates for Fall 2026

  • October 1 – The FAFSA form is available
  • November 15 – early action deadline
  • March 1 – priority admissions application date
  • June 1 - FAFSA/MASFA deadline

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the UMass Dartmouth Deal? The UMass Dartmouth Deal is a program that covers tuition, mandatory fees, and college fees for eligible Massachusetts residents from families earning $75,000 or less annually. It's designed to make higher education accessible by removing financial barriers for talented in-state students.

2. Who is eligible for the Dartmouth Deal? To be eligible, you must be a Massachusetts resident, be fully admitted to UMassD, complete a FAFSA or MASFA by June 1, be enrolled full-time (12+ credits) in an on-campus undergraduate degree program, and meet income requirements (Pell eligible with AGI of $75,000 or less for FAFSA applicants, or SAI of 7,500 or less for MASFA applicants).

3. Do I need to submit a separate application for the Dartmouth Deal? No! If you file your FAFSA or MASFA and meet the eligibility criteria, you'll automatically be considered for the program. There's no separate application required.

4. What expenses does the Dartmouth Deal cover? The program covers tuition, mandatory fees, and college fees for up to four years of full-time undergraduate study. However, you're responsible for housing, meal plans, books, health insurance, and other non-mandatory fees.

5. Does the Dartmouth Deal only cover my first year? No! The Dartmouth Deal covers up to four years (eight semesters) of full-time undergraduate study, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements each year.

6. Does it cover summer or winter terms? The program does not include summer or winter terms. You must be enrolled in the fall semester to qualify for that academic year.

7. Can I receive the Dartmouth Deal if I start in the spring semester? If you enroll beginning in the spring semester, you won't qualify until the following fall semester. Fall enrollment is required for eligibility.

8. What if I'm transferring to UMassD or already have some college credits? If you join the program later in your undergraduate career, you'll have a defined number of semesters of eligibility based on your academic standing: sophomores receive up to 6 semesters, juniors up to 4 semesters, and seniors up to 2 semesters.

9. What do I need to do to keep the Dartmouth Deal each year? To maintain eligibility, you must: complete federal and state verification requirements, not be in default on federal or state aid, meet satisfactory academic progress policies, remain enrolled continuously, maintain full-time enrollment (12+ credits per semester), and requalify annually.

10. What is the deadline to apply for financial aid? You must complete your FAFSA or MASFA by June 1 to be considered for the Dartmouth Deal.

11. What additional benefits come with the Dartmouth Deal? Beyond tuition coverage, you'll receive guaranteed on-campus housing (though housing costs aren't covered), access to financial literacy workshops and counseling services, and opportunities for additional scholarships and grants for textbooks, housing, and other educational expenses.