University of Massachusetts-Boston

The University of Massachusetts-Boston stands as a cornerstone of public higher education in the city, a vibrant public research university committed to its motto: "To Preserve and Extend Knowledge." Established in 1964, UMass Boston is a vital part of the larger University of Massachusetts System, serving a dynamic student body of 15,428.

The university's genesis is a remarkable story of civic determination. Prior to 1964, despite the existence of numerous private institutions, Boston faced a critical shortage of public university access. Thousands of qualified local high school graduates were denied admission to the Amherst campus due, not to a lack of merit, but simply a lack of space. Proposals for a Boston campus were met with resistance from both private colleges and even existing UMass faculty, who argued for subsidizing private institutions or expanding smaller state colleges. However, the overwhelming public support and recognition of the unfulfilled need for accessible public education in the Greater Boston area ultimately paved the way.

Fueled by legislative action and strong public sentiment, the vision for a comprehensive public university in Boston came to fruition. In 1964, a bill introduced by State Senators Maurice A. Donahue and George V. Kenneally Jr. led to the founding of UMass Boston. It was created specifically to serve the Boston area as a commuter campus, democratizing access to higher education for a population previously underserved by the state's public university system.

Today, UMass Boston continues its foundational mission, offering a robust educational experience within a public research university framework. With a substantial student body and an endowment of $0.2 billion, it remains a testament to the power of public advocacy and the enduring commitment to accessible, quality education in one of America's most historic cities.