Foster Success

A UMass Amherst degree is attainable! Whether as a first-year, transfer, or MassTransfer student, you’ll join a diverse community that welcomes your lived experiences, interests, talents, and strengths. Learn more about paying for college and how to apply.

Once admitted, New Students Orientation and Transitions will help you prepare for a strong start to college life.

UMass residence halls close over Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks. If you need to live on campus during these times, be sure to choose a Break Housing hall.

If you are enrolled in UMass Amherst Summer Session classes through University Without Walls or are employed on campus (and enrolled for the coming fall), you may be eligible for summer session housing.

Call Residential Life at 413-545-2100 for answers to your housing questions.

If you have ever been a ward of the court or experienced foster care, you may be eligible for Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance grants as part of your financial aid package:

• The Foster Care Tuition and Fee Assistance program requires documentation from the Mass Department of Children and Families to the Bursar’s Office for processing.
• The Mass Foster Care Grant requires documentation to Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Both grants require that you report your status in your Common Application and FAFSA and be a Massachusetts in-state student.

The Foster Student Success Fund helps students cover unexpected costs associated with transition to college such as the Jump In Program, career preparation or graduation, basic needs, and/or unforeseen personal or family emergencies.

Enrolled students taking five or more credits per semester are automatically enrolled in the UMass Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP). If you are covered under an approved private health insurance plan, you can waive SHBP coverage by completing the online waiver process each year. If you are covered by MassHealth or any MassHealth MCO or ACO (managed care organization or accountable care organization) plan, you can waive the SHBP.

Our goal is to help you succeed academically, personally, and socially. As a UMass student, you’ll have access to free resources including career services, tutoring, legal assistance, counseling, financial coaching, free or discounted software, campus and local transportation, and Campus Recreation. As a CMASS member, you can print papers and use computers for free in the CMASS Computer Lab. 

Your CMASS Success Coach can meet with you as often as you like to identify goals, plan action steps, and connect you to helpful resources. Your Student Success team can help you choose or change majors, develop an academic plan, and keep on track towards graduation.