UMass Boston

The benefits of completing the program include:

• Small classes taught by esteemed UMass Boston professors
• All of the courses in the Pathway program meet our general education requirements and include College English, History, Sociology and Political Science, and Environmental Science
• Automatic reactivation of your UMass Boston application (fee will be waived)
• Guaranteed scholarship for students who meet 3.3 cumulative GPA after their first semester
  • Scholarship renewable for up to 8 semesters for students who maintain a 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment
• Peer and faculty mentorship throughout program

Yes, students in the non-degree Pathway Program are eligible for on-campus housing. Students who wish to apply for on-campus housing will be able to do so by submitting a $300 Housing Reservation Fee (along with a $250 New Student Enrollment Deposit). Please note that your housing contract is for the entire academic year. If you do not pass the program, you may remain on campus during the spring semester if you enroll full-time as a non-degree seeking student. If you vacate your room before the spring semester, you must submit a housing cancellation form and pay a $750 cancellation fee.

As a non-degree student, financial aid is not available for the fall semester. However, students who submit a Free Applicant for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will receive a financial aid award letter for the spring semester – allowing you to plan for the academic year.

As a non-degree student, you will not be considered for a merit scholarship for the fall semester. However, upon successful completion of the fall 13-credit program and with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3, you will be guaranteed a merit scholarship in the amount of $2,000 per year ($1,000 per semester) within the spring semester. This award is renewable each year up to four years with a minimum sustained GPA of 3.0.

The cost of the fall program is estimated to be $3,600 (tuition and fees), nearly half of the amount of our in-state tuition. The cost of the program will be approved in the summer prior to the fall semester by the Board of Trustees. This is the estimated cost for tuition and fees and does not include housing, textbooks, or transportation costs. Room and board will cost, on average, $8,750 per semester. See more information on housing rates. Payment plans are also available for tuition and housing costs.

As Pathway student, you will begin your educational journey at UMass Boston as a non-degree student (meaning you will not be a declared major in any college). While you will be a UMass Boston Beacon, you will not be officially accepted into a degree program until you complete the 13-credit program and reactivate your application for the spring semester. You will be able to specify your major within your reactivation application.

Pathway students must earn a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA to matriculate into the spring semester. Students interested in majoring in Engineering or Management will need to achieve a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA for consideration. Students will not be considered for nursing for the spring semester. Students interested in nursing are encouraged to work with their academic advisor to continue their path forward to apply for our Nursing program for the following academic year.

Log into your Beacon Gateway and click on the Admissions Status tab. After reviewing your Pathway Decision Letter you should confirm your attendance in the program by filling out your Confirmation Form and then submitting your $250 New Student Enrollment Deposit.

Yes, the program offers built-in resources including an academic advisor as well as a peer mentor. Qualified students are also eligible to receive academic accommodations or adjustments through our Ross Center. Academic support services are also available within most subject areas.