Founders' Scholarship

Do not lose your Federal Work Study!

Students awarded Federal Work-Study (FWS) that do not secure a job by the October 11 fall hiring deadline may keep half of their award for the spring semester.

To defer your FWS until the spring semester, complete the Federal Work Study Deferment Form (PDF) by the date indicated on the form and upload it to the Student Service Center (SSC). Failure to submit the form by the deadline will result in the cancellation of the entire FWS award.

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

  1. Apply to UMassD.
  2. 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

The form for Fall 2025 applicants will open on Friday, October 18. The deadline to apply is Sunday, December 8.

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
  • live on campus

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.

What is 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