Career Launch is located at our Mount Ida Campus in Newton, Mass. (just 8 miles from downtown Boston), where students enjoy a premium living experience in air-conditioned residence halls. The campus offers a wide range of amenities, including free parking, an indoor gym, full-service dining halls operated by #1 ranked UMass Dining Services, and on-site health and counseling services. Students also have convenient access to explore Boston and attend off-campus outings with free and frequent transportation to and from the MBTA. Additionally, a free daily shuttle service with Wi-Fi connects UMass’s Mount Ida and Amherst campuses, providing seamless access to the resources and opportunities at both locations.

Career Launch offers a unique and enriching start to your college experience, combining a smaller, more intimate environment at the Mount Ida campus with close proximity to Boston, a global hub of innovation. This program provides opportunities for networking, cultural enrichment, and professional exploration while helping you discover various career paths before transitioning to the Amherst campus. Career Launch is limited to a cohort of up to 50 students, fostering strong connections and friendships, and creating a supportive and dynamic foundation for your UMass journey.

The Career Launch program costs the same as a semester on the UMass Amherst campus, and students can use all financial aid they receive to cover the cost of this program. No additional FAFSA is required if you’ve already completed one. Additionally, students are encouraged to apply to be a FLEXperience Ambassador, to earn up to $4,000 for sharing their experience in the program. Work-study positions are also available on the Mt. Ida campus. For more details, check out the Cost of Attendance page. 
 

For those admitted to Career Launch, the next steps are straightforward.

• Submit the $500 nonrefundable UMass Amherst enrollment deposit and the $300 nonrefundable Career Launch program deposit by May 1st. Deposits will be applied to your first-year tuition and fees.  
• Consider applying to be a FLEXperience Ambassador, with applications open now and due by May 1st.
• Attend a virtual info session:
  • Watch the Career Launch Info Session Recording
  • Join Open Office Hours via Zoom: Wednesday, March 19 | 6:30 - 7:30 PM
  • Register to attend a live info session on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM (EST)
• Plan to visit the Mount Ida campus during an upcoming Open House event
  • Friday, April 25, 2025
• Once your enrollment fee is processed, the UMass Admissions team will provide important updates and deadlines for orientation, housing, and more. Remember, you’ll be billed at the standard UMass Amherst undergraduate tuition rate, including room and board, with any financial aid you receive applied to these costs.

Following these steps will ensure you’re ready to start your Career Launch experience!