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University of Massachusetts-Boston

Boston, MA

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Quick Facts

“"To Preserve and Extend Knowledge"”

1964
Founded
Public research university
Type
15,428
Total Students
12,178
Undergrad
3,250
Graduate
$171M
Endowment
(2024)
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Marty Meehan

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Massachusetts-Boston

Boston's public research powerhouse, built on a legacy of access and opportunity.

The University of Massachusetts-Boston stands as a dynamic public research university, a cornerstone of the prestigious University of Massachusetts System. With a robust community of over 15,000 students, UMass Boston is dedicated to its motto, "To Preserve and Extend Knowledge," fostering an environment rich in discovery and academic rigor for aspiring scholars and professionals.

Its compelling origin story is rooted in a fundamental commitment to public access to higher education. Founded in 1964, UMass Boston emerged from a critical need, as thousands of qualified Boston-area high school graduates were denied admission to the Amherst campus due to space limitations. Despite initial opposition from both within the existing UMass system and from established private institutions in Boston, strong public support and advocacy led to its creation, marking a pivotal moment in Massachusetts' educational landscape.

Today, UMass Boston embodies its legacy as a vibrant urban research institution. It offers a comprehensive academic experience, shaped by its history of advocacy and public service. Prospective students will find a university deeply integrated into the fabric of Boston, providing unique opportunities for learning, research, and community engagement within a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Established in 1964 to meet the unmet demand for public higher education in the Greater Boston area.
  • ✦A distinguished public research university within the extensive University of Massachusetts System.
  • ✦Home to a thriving student body of 15,428, offering a vibrant urban campus experience.
  • ✦Operates with a substantial endowment of $0.2 billion, supporting its mission and growth.
  • ✦Guided by its inspiring motto: "To Preserve and Extend Knowledge."
  • ✦Its founding overcame significant opposition, reflecting a strong public mandate for accessible education.

Timeline

1863
The University of Massachusetts System's origins trace back to the founding of Massachusetts Agricultural College.
1950s
Massachusetts faced critical challenges in public higher education funding and capacity.
1962
The UMass System expanded beyond Amherst with the establishment of the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester.
1963
UMass President John W. Lederle advocated for a Boston commuter campus due to over 1,200 qualified local applicants being turned away.
1964
A bill was introduced and subsequently passed to officially establish the University of Massachusetts-Boston, meeting significant public demand.
1964
The University of Massachusetts-Boston was officially founded, opening its doors to students.
🏛️
62 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Marty Meehan
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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