The State of Massachusetts under Governor Maura Healey has made its values clear. The world-class education available at UMass Amherst should be available to all Massachusetts residents.
In an expansion of public funding to improve access to higher education, resources from the Mass Grant Plus program will be used to fund UMass Amherst Advantage, a ground-breaking commitment to high needs students that begins this Fall.
With the UMass Amherst Advantage program, students from Massachusetts families earning up to $75,000 per year can qualify to attend UMass Amherst with no cost for tuition and mandatory fees.
To qualify for the program, which also covers mandatory academic fees in addition to tuition, in-state students must be enrolled full-time (12+ credits) in an on-campus undergraduate degree program, meet the UMass Amherst Massachusetts residency classification, and be eligible for state aid. High-need criteria is determined by being federal Pell Grant eligible, and meeting all eligibility requirements, through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Massachusetts Application for State Financial aid (MASFA).
Some eligible high-need students can additionally qualify for financial aid to cover remaining related costs such as dorm fees, meal plans, and books. The first students to qualify for UMass Amherst Advantage will join the campus this Fall, adding their perspectives to class discussions and everyday life on campus.
“It’s important that students with the greatest financial need understand how affordable a UMass education can be,” said Chancellor Javier Reyes.
The ability of Massachusetts residents to earn a world class college degree at UMass has never been higher. Stockbridge School of Agriculture offers both 2-year associate degrees and 4-year bachelor's degrees in a variety of majors directed towards working in the green industries. Students who enjoy the outdoors, and who benefit from hands-on learning, are in a great position to apply for a Stockbridge degree today.
Rising seniors graduating high school in 2026 are encouraged to do more than just think about Stockbridge as a possible future. Prospective students and their families are encouraged to visit Stockbridge School of Agriculture on the UMass Amherst campus anytime they are able. Interested juniors and seniors can go right now to our Stockbridge Visit page and request a personalized tour on the weekday of their choice.
Learn more about the UMass Amherst Advantage program