University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth admits 92.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 qualified applicants receive admission offers. This places the university firmly in the Open Access category, with admission rates significantly higher than the peer median of 84.6%. The high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission to provide broad educational access while maintaining academic standards through other mechanisms. UMass Dartmouth's approach prioritizes accessibility over exclusivity, making it an attractive option for students seeking quality public education without the uncertainty of highly competitive admission processes. The university's 7.6 percentage point higher admission rate compared to peer institutions indicates a commitment to serving diverse student populations. Students should expect straightforward admission processes for those meeting basic academic requirements. This accessibility makes UMass Dartmouth particularly valuable for first-generation college students, working adults, and others who benefit from reduced admission barriers. The combination of open access with strong academic programming creates opportunities for students who might face challenges at more selective institutions. For prospective students, this means focusing on academic preparation and program fit rather than competitive positioning against other applicants.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at UMass Dartmouth demonstrate strong academic preparation despite the university's accessible admission policies. SAT scores range from 1040 to 1260, with a median of 1152, representing performance at the 92nd percentile nationally. The middle 50% of enrolled students score between 1040-1260, indicating most successful applicants fall within this range. Math scores typically range from 520-620, while verbal scores span 520-640, showing balanced preparation across subject areas. ACT scores range from 22-27 with a median of 23, ranking at the 91st percentile nationally. These test score ranges significantly exceed the peer median SAT of 1090, with UMass Dartmouth students scoring 62 points higher on average. The strong academic profile reflects the university's ability to attract well-prepared students while maintaining accessible admission standards. Students scoring within or above these ranges should feel confident about their academic competitiveness for admission. Those scoring below the 25th percentile ranges may still gain admission but should consider whether they're prepared for the academic rigor. The combination of high test scores and open admission suggests the university successfully balances access with academic quality, attracting students who choose UMass Dartmouth for its programs and outcomes rather than admission selectivity alone.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
UMass Dartmouth enrolls a diverse student body that reflects its commitment to educational access. The university serves 35.6% Pell-eligible students, indicating more than one in three students come from lower-income families. First-generation college students comprise 35.2% of enrollment, demonstrating the institution's role in expanding higher education access to families without prior college experience. Transfer students represent 22.7% of enrollment, reflecting the university's openness to students changing educational paths or completing degrees after community college. This composition indicates UMass Dartmouth prioritizes serving underrepresented populations while maintaining academic standards. The significant Pell and first-generation shares suggest the university actively supports students who might face financial or cultural barriers at other institutions. Geographic diversity reflects New England regional draw with concentration from Massachusetts and surrounding states. Students from similar backgrounds should view these enrollment patterns as indicators of institutional commitment to support services and inclusive campus culture. Prospective first-generation students should note that more than one in three current students share their background, creating natural peer networks and understanding of unique challenges.
With UMass Dartmouth's 92.2% acceptance rate, admission is accessible for most qualified applicants. However, students seeking additional options or different characteristics may consider these alternatives.
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Students who enroll at UMass Dartmouth face mixed completion outcomes that vary significantly by population. The overall retention rate of 63.7% falls below the peer median of 73.2%, indicating challenges in first-year student persistence. Six-year graduation rates reach 49.0%, slightly below the peer median of 49.3%. However, Pell-eligible students demonstrate notably higher completion rates at 55.9%, creating a positive 6.9 percentage point gap favoring lower-income students. This unusual pattern suggests the university provides particularly effective support systems for economically disadvantaged students, helping them succeed at higher rates than the general student population. The positive Pell gap indicates institutional effectiveness in serving the students who need the most support for degree completion. Students should expect academic support services and resources designed to help first-generation and lower-income students navigate college successfully. Prospective Pell-eligible students can view these completion patterns as evidence of the university's commitment to their success. The retention and completion data suggest students who persist beyond the first year have good prospects for degree completion, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds who benefit from targeted institutional support.
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