UMass Boston has welcomed its largest in-state first-year class ever, with 1,994 students drawn to Boston’s only public research university, its historic free college Beacon Pledge, and its sustained growth in academic excellence. 

From within Dorchester and across Boston, the Commonwealth, and around the globe, the class of 2029 was drawn from a record pool of more than 22,000 applicants. It will mark a new milestone in the growth of UMass Boston as the city’s premier public institution for academic excellence and diverse learning opportunities. 

“At a time when the world continues to ponder the benefits of higher education and institutions struggle to adjust to dynamic changes on a seemingly daily basis, the historic level of interest in and commitment to UMass Boston is indeed a milestone moment,” said Marcelo Suárez-Orozco, Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Boston. “I cannot wait to welcome our new students to watch them engage, learn, and grow. This couldn’t happen without our visionary team, our incredibly talented scholars and academic staff, and all who support our work on campus, in our city, state, and beyond.”

“We're excited to celebrate this milestone with the team at UMass Boston. Education has always been our calling card here in Massachusetts, and seeing a record amount of students enroll this year is proof that our continued investments in public higher education are making a difference,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Between our MassGrant Plus Expansion and free community college, students across the state have a more affordable and accessible path to higher education, which results in higher lifetime earnings for them and a more prepared workforce for employers. We're proud to see increased enrollment at UMass Boston as a result and grateful for the strong leadership of Chancellor Suárez-Orozco."

“As a proud alumnus of Massachusetts public higher education, I’m honored to celebrate this critical success for UMass Boston and our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These students represent the best of us and they will continue to benefit from the investments that our administration has made in higher education. These are the priorities we've set to keep Massachusetts the best place to learn, live, and work.”

Last year, UMass Boston launched the Beacon Pledge Initiative, building off the partnership with Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and the state legislature to provide free tuition and mandatory fees to all eligible students through the state's MassGrant Plus Expansion. First-year students entering UMass Boston are offered a comprehensive and diverse academic landscape with access to 68 undergraduate majors. From finance and marketing to communications and psychology, the range of programs ensures that students can pursue their passions and career aspirations across various disciplines, preparing them for dynamic roles in an ever-evolving global economy.

In addition, as a Carnegie-classified R1 research university that invests more than $70 million in research initiatives each year, UMass Boston is committed to advancing research that directly enriches the academic experience for its students. The Carnegie Foundation has identified UMass Boston as one of 49 universities nationwide and one of seven in the Northeast as R1 research universities that also provide high access.

UMass Boston welcomes a record number of in-state students, thanks in part to partnerships forged with local high schools to ensure seamless pathways for prospective students. Boston now welcomes a record number of  Massachusetts residents seeking a quality education close to home. 

"I'm so proud of the incredible work happening at UMass Boston and it's fulfilling to see so many Massachusetts students leveraging the Beacon Pledge,” said Marty Meehan, President of the University of Massachusetts. “We have made record investments in UMass-funded student financial aid over the last ten years. This long-term commitment, alongside the visionary investments in the MASSGrant Plus Expansion program from the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature, is making a world-class education accessible to even more students.”