UMass Community College Advantage Scholarship

University of Massachusetts and the state’s 15 community colleges have partnered to award outstanding community college students the UMass Community College Advantage Scholarship (UCCAS). The UCCAS is designed to incentivize highly talented community college students to finish their associate degree at one of the Commonwealth’s 15 community colleges, and then complete their bachelor’s degree at one of the four undergraduate University of Massachusetts campuses.

How it works

The UCCAS guarantees admission* to the University of Massachusetts to students in the top 10% of their community college graduating class. Students awarded the UCCAS will also receive $2,500 per semester ($5,000 annually) for at least $10,000 for the student’s two years of continuous enrollment at UMass. Scholarships are awarded at the University’s discretion. Students remain eligible for additional aid based on individual circumstances. The scholarship is designed to supplement all other forms of aid awarded to the student. 

*Student must satisfy the terms and conditions below. These terms and conditions are subject to change.

Terms and Conditions

To be eligible for the UCCAS, students must:

  1. Be confirmed by their community college to be in the top 10% of academic standing in their graduating class as of the end of the fall semester that immediately precedes the fall semester they plan to enroll at the University of Massachusetts.
    • For example, a student completing their associate degree in May 2025 who wishes to attend the University of Massachusetts in the fall of 2025 must be in the top 10% of academic standing as of the end of the fall 2024 semester.
  2. Complete your associate degree before the start of your first semester at the University of Massachusetts;
  3. Enroll at a University of Massachusetts campus at the start of the academic year immediately following completion of their associate degree from a Massachusetts community college.
  4. Attend the University of Massachusetts on a full-time basis in state supported programs (not continuing education programs).
  5. Have earned 45+ credits that are transferable to the University of Massachusetts;
  6. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or state financial aid equivalent;
  7. Be eligible for in-state tuition;
    • If your state of residency or tuition residency classification changes, the award will be canceled, and eligibility will be reviewed based on the new residency's applicable requirements and available funding.
  8. Have not enrolled at another four-year institution before enrolling at the University of Massachusetts.
    • Students who completed their associate degree at a community college and subsequently enrolled at a non-UMass campus are not able to then transfer to UMass and receive the UCCAS.
  9. Meet all financial aid and admission deadlines for the campus for which they are applying and complete all appropriate applications by the campus deadline. 
  10. Students need to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress for renewal.
  11. This program is intended for transfer students. Dual enrollment/early college students do not qualify.

Additional information

  • The scholarship cannot be deferred.
  • Once students have received the notification of eligibility letter from their community college, they must complete the University of Massachusetts Community College Advantage Scholarship interest form. 
  • Deadlines may vary by campus; students should review specific requirements for the campus they intend to apply. 
  • These terms and conditions may vary based on the University of Massachusetts campus students choose to enroll at, and each University of Massachusetts campus may have additional terms and conditions that apply.

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