Public
Accredited · New England Commission on Higher Education
North Dartmouth, Massachusetts
92.2% Acceptance Rate
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 (MA) is a public research institution. Admissions are selective, focusing on academic achievement in core subjects. They look for students prepared for a research-oriented environment and those who will take advantage of the university's strong professional and engineering programs.
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Acceptance Rate
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) runs an open-access admission policy. With a 92.2% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
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
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is February 15 for Regular Decision applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 189 days left — Regular Decision
Regular Decision
February 15
Early Action
November 15
Decision by: January 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (November 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
UMass Dartmouth GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at UMass Dartmouth is 3.37. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.07–3.37 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.57–3.77.UMass Dartmouth GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
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
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- 100% test-optional; 1080+ SAT/22+ ACT recommended generally, with higher benchmarks suggested for competitive programs like nursing and engineering
- Personal essay (up to 650 words) required, framed around leadership/community service/work achievement rather than "why this school"
- College of Visual & Performing Arts applicants must submit a portfolio or complete a music audition in addition to standard application materials
- School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) is an active research institution tied to UMassD's coastal location, covering fisheries science and coastal ecosystem research
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review 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
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if UMass Dartmouth is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into UMass Dartmouth Without SAT or ACT?
UMass Dartmouth considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Average SAT Score: 1152
The average SAT score of admitted students at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is 1152 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1152 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1260 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1040, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UMass Dartmouth. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 570 | 520 | 620 |
| SAT Reading | 580 | 520 | 640 |
| SAT Composite | 1152 | 1040 | 1260 |
Below 1040, you're behind most admitted students; at 1260 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
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?
A 1250 SAT puts you ahead of most of UMass Dartmouth's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at UMass Dartmouth is 25.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average ACT score.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 19 | 26 |
| ACT English | 28 | 27 | 29 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 22 | 27 |
Can I get into University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth with a 27 ACT?
A 27 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of UMass Dartmouth's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at UMass Dartmouth.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UMass Dartmouth
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
UMass Dartmouth's open-access model means the real strategic decisions happen after enrollment: course planning, advising, and whether to transfer later.
Submit test scores if targeting nursing or engineering - even though UMassD is fully test-optional
UMass Dartmouth is 100% test-optional, but a 1080+ SAT (or 22+ ACT) is specifically recommended, with higher benchmarks suggested for competitive programs like nursing and engineering. If either field is your target, treat test submission as a real strategic lever rather than skipping it by default.
Write your personal essay around a specific achievement, not generic "why UMassD" language
UMassD's personal essay (up to 650 words) is explicitly framed around demonstrating leadership, community service, work experience, or another significant achievement - not a "why this school" prompt. Structure your essay as a genuine narrative about a specific accomplishment rather than trying to explain your college choice.
If Visual & Performing Arts is your target, submit a portfolio or audition - it's a distinct requirement layered on top of general admission
Applicants to College of Visual & Performing Arts programs must submit a portfolio or complete a music audition in addition to the standard application. This is a genuine second gate specific to CVPA programs, not something covered by the general essay/transcript review other majors go through.
If marine/coastal science interests you, reference SMAST by name in your materials
UMassD's School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) runs active, specific research (e.g., fisheries monitoring, coastal urban ecosystem impacts) that's a genuine institutional differentiator tied to the university's coastal Massachusetts location. Naming SMAST and a specific research area shows real program fit rather than generic "I love the ocean" interest.
Expert Insight:
Because UMassD is fully test-optional and doesn't strictly require test scores for general admission, applicants targeting genuinely competitive programs like nursing or engineering can under-prepare their file by skipping scores entirely. The recommended-but-not-required threshold (1080+ SAT/22+ ACT, higher for these programs) functions as a real competitive benchmark even though it's technically optional - treating "optional" as "irrelevant" here can weaken an otherwise strong application to a selective program.
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?
UMass Dartmouth offers a rigorous academic environment, but 'worth it' is a personal calculation of cost, program fit, and outcomes. The figures below are a starting point.
The average household income among admitted students is $72,100, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.13%.
How much does a degree from UMass Dartmouth Cost?
The sticker price is $31,677/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $20,605.
35.6% of students receive a Pell Grant and 65.8% take federal loans at UMass Dartmouth. File your FAFSA early and list UMass Dartmouth as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a UMass Dartmouth Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $68,804. That's about 69% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
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.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 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.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Frequently Asked Questions About UMass Dartmouth Admissions
Median graduate earnings at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth run about $68,804 a year.
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth costs roughly $31,677 a year, and most students combine this with scholarships or aid.
About 35.6% receive a Pell Grant at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 92.2%, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth average a 3.37 GPA.
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.07 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.97, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth — aim above 1152, ideally within the 1040–1260 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is February 15 for Regular Decision applicants.
The application fee is 60. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is November 15, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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