Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Public Accredited · New England Commission on Higher Education North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 92.2% Acceptance Rate

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747-2300 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 www.umassd.edu/

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

92.2%Acceptance Rate
3.37Avg GPA
1152Avg SAT
25Avg ACT
$31,677Annual Cost
$68,804Grad Salary
35.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
92.2%
Avg GPA
3.37
Avg SAT
1152
Avg ACT
25
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1040–1260
ACT Middle 50%
22–27
Avg Net Price
$20,605
Need-Based Aid
35.6% receive Pell

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Acceptance Rate

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 92.2%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
  • Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.

Selectivity at a Glance

Inclusive
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 92.2% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.37 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.17 – 3.36
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.92
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support

Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

UMass Dartmouth GPA Requirement

The average GPA of admitted students at UMass Dartmouth is 3.37. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.

A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.57-3.77 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 3.07 and 3.37, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.

UMass Dartmouth GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.

Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).

Admissions at UMass Dartmouth utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.37, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.37 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.17 – 3.36
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.97 – 3.16
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.96
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • The Rigor Metric: At UMass Dartmouth, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
  • The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.

Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Check Your Admission Chances at UMass Dartmouth

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth's verified institutional data

--%
Calculating Profile...

Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.

Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00

✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.

Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) Test Requirements

In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.

Can I Get Into UMass Dartmouth Without SAT or ACT?

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Average SAT Score: 1152

The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is 1152 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1152 — Less Competitive

This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1152 on the SAT.

SAT Math
570
SAT Reading
580
Composite
1152
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1260 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 1040, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UMass Dartmouth. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SAT score percentiles for University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math570520620
SAT Reading580520640
SAT Composite115210401260

It means that if you have scored less than 1040 then you are below most of the admitted students at UMass Dartmouth and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1260 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.

View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150

Can I get into University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) with a 1250 SAT?

With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) are good but the admission staff at UMass Dartmouth tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at UMass Dartmouth is 25.

ACT Competitiveness

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth ACT Competitiveness
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive

This score makes University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 25 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math231926
ACT English282729
ACT Composite252227

Can I get into University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth with a 27 ACT?

A 27 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.

One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.

Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 27 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 25

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UMass Dartmouth

Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer

UMass Dartmouth provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.

Meet Eligibility Floors

Ensure you have your high school diploma or GED ready. Open admission means you are in as long as you meet the basic administrative requirements.

Placement Preparation

Focus on the ACCUPLACER or internal placement tests. Performing well here allows you to jump directly into credit-bearing Math and English.

Transfer Path Planning

If you intend to move to a more selective school later, maintain a 3.5+ GPA here to make yourself a highly competitive transfer candidate.

Career Certification

Identify specific certificate programs or internships offered by UMass Dartmouth that connect directly to the local job market.

Note: While acceptance is guaranteed, space in specific high-demand programs (like Nursing or Tech) may still be competitive.

UMass Dartmouth Profile

Full Name
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth)
City
North Dartmouth
State
Massachusetts
ZIP Code
02747-2300
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)

Is a UMass Dartmouth Degree Worth It?

Getting into UMass Dartmouth can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. UMass Dartmouth offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.

Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at UMass Dartmouth is $72,100 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.13%.

How much does a degree from UMass Dartmouth Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is $31,677. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is $20,605.

35.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 65.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UMass Dartmouth and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UMass Dartmouth as your choice in the form.

How much does a UMass Dartmouth Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $68,804. An average UMass Dartmouth graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).

The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.

$31,677Annual Cost
$20,605Net Price
35.6%Pell Grant
65.8%Federal Loan
$68,804Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
University of South Alabama Mobile, AL 1119 23
Tuskegee University Tuskegee, AL 1121 22
Arkansas State University Jonesboro, AR 1119 22
University of Central Arkansas Conway, AR 1117 22
University of La Verne La Verne, CA 1116 22
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, CO 1119 24
University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO 1140 25
Western Colorado University Gunnison, CO 1130 25
Lynn University Boca Raton, FL 1136 25
Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL 1119 23
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Huntingdon College Montgomery, AL 1148 23
Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA 1155 22
Florida International University Miami, FL 1154 23
Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, GA 1150 24
Georgia State University Atlanta, GA 1149 23
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Birmingham-Southern College Birmingham, AL 1197 24
University of Mobile Mobile, AL 1220 24
Samford University Birmingham, AL 1203 26
Harding University Searcy, AR 1187 25
John Brown University Siloam Springs, AR 1222 26

Degree Programs at UMass Dartmouth

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth →

Frequently Asked Questions About UMass Dartmouth Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $68,804 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.

The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $31,677 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.

35.6% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.

The acceptance rate of University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is 92.2% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

The average GPA of admitted students is 3.37. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.

While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.07, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.07, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 2.97 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.

While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.37, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.

Admission to University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1152 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1040–1260.

Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.

To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.

Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026

SK

Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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