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Welcome Home waiver program for veterans

The purpose of the UMass Board of Trustees Policy is to recognize the service of Massachusetts veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan by extending a partial fee waiver of scholarship to those seeking a degree at the University.

The following guidelines are issued to assist the campuses implementing the policy.

Award value

Campuses may award either an annual mandatory fee waiver or scholarship of up to $2,000 to eligible students. Waivers (or scholarships) are to be granted for a maximum of 8 semesters, or $8,000 in total to eligible students.

Eligibility criteria

  • Eligible veterans must be Massachusetts residents and have served in the Iraq and Afghanistan combat areas since September 11, 2001.
  • Recipients must maintain good academic standing while taking at least 12 credits per semester as an undergraduate or at least 9 credits as a graduate student (not including corporate and online courses).
  • Students who have received the “Welcome Home” bonus of $1,000 authorized by subsection (1) of section 16 of chapter 130 of the Acts of 2005 are eligible only after submitting documentation from the Office of the State Treasurer that they have received the bonus.
  • Students receiving state and/or federal veterans benefits that cover the full cost of tuition, room and board, and fees at the University shall not be eligible for the award. 
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