University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth publishes a cost of attendance of $31,677 annually, including $15,208 in-state tuition, $31,750 out-of-state tuition, $17,940 for room and board, and $1,400 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $20,605 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,072 from the published price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $33,485 |
| Tuition and Fees | $32,567 |
| Room and Board | $18,566 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,558 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $20,927 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $15,976 |
| $30–48k | $16,042 |
| $48–75k | $17,530 |
| $75–110k | $22,273 |
| $110k+ | $28,147 |
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth publishes a cost of attendance of $31,677 annually, including $15,208 in-state tuition, $31,750 out-of-state tuition, $17,940 for room and board, and $1,400 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $20,605 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,072 from the published price. This net price sits $6,512 below the peer median of $14,093, indicating higher costs relative to similar institutions.
The university's net price reflects Massachusetts public education pricing, which tends to run above national averages for public institutions. Financial aid reduces costs substantially, with the average aid package covering approximately 35% of published costs. Students should expect net prices to vary significantly based on family income, with lower-income families receiving more substantial aid packages.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at UMass Dartmouth reflect moderate borrowing patterns with meaningful variation across student populations. Median debt reaches $25,000, with borrowing ranging from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile.
The university's debt level exceeds the peer median by $3,895, placing UMass Dartmouth at the 28th percentile nationally for debt levels, indicating below-average performance on debt management. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 suggests manageable borrowing relative to post-graduation income, falling within reasonable repayment capacity for most graduates.
Parent PLUS loans show median debt of $18,589 with monthly payments of approximately $245, representing additional family borrowing for some students. The debt distribution suggests about one-quarter of graduates borrow $7,500 or less, while another quarter take on $27,000 or more, reflecting varied financial circumstances and aid packages.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UMass Dartmouth delivers strong return on educational investment despite higher debt levels than peer institutions. Graduates earn $13,175 beyond expectations, ranking at the 89.3rd percentile nationally, indicating exceptional value-added performance.
The median earnings of $68,804 exceed peer institutions by $18,688, substantially offsetting higher borrowing costs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 remains manageable, suggesting graduates can handle repayment obligations from their career income.
The university's return on investment ranks at the 84th percentile nationally, reflecting strong earnings outcomes relative to educational costs. Students earn top-25 performance for value-added earnings nationally, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in translating educational investment into career advancement.
UMass Dartmouth's financial aid approach reflects typical public university patterns with enhanced support for lower-income students. The $11,072 average financial aid savings demonstrates meaningful assistance for most students, though net costs remain above peer medians.
With 35.6% Pell-eligible enrollment, more than one in three students qualify for federal need-based grants, indicating substantial low-income student access. The progressive pricing structure shows aid targeting effectiveness, with lowest-income students receiving net prices approximately $12,871 below highest-income families.
Financial aid combines federal Pell grants, state aid, and institutional assistance to reduce costs substantially below published prices. Students from moderate-income families should expect some aid eligibility, while those from higher-income backgrounds will likely pay closer to full costs.
