UMass Lowell Retention Grant Programs

Classroom-Fin-Aid

UMass Lowell (UML) provides small grants to assist students in completing their degree after they have exhausted all other forms of financial aid. Program funding provided by generous donations and community partnerships.

Available Programs:

Finish Line Scholars Fund

This fund is to support current juniors and seniors having difficulty completing their degree due to an outstanding balance on their UML student account. Students must have applied for financial aid and exhausted all other forms of financial aid available to them, including student loans. The fund helps students with extenuating circumstances which prevent them from being able to cover their remaining balance and reenrolling at UML.

GRAD Last Mile Fund

The GRAD (Graduate Ready to Achieve Degree) Last Mile Fund assists residents of Massachusetts in their final academic year who are experiencing a temporary, one-time, financial hardship that could potentially block them from graduating. This fund provides small financial awards. Examples of temporary hardships requests:

  • Assisting with emergency situations including replacement of school equipment or books due to theft or natural disaster;
  • Cost of food or temporary living expenses due to natural disasters, accidents, housing problems, or domestic violence;
  • Car repair for a commuter student;
  • Emergency childcare;
  • May be used to help pay college costs if no other funding is available.

Who Can Apply?

Individual programs have specific requirements, see available program information above.

  • Current programs open to Junior and Senior day domestic students only. International and Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) students are not eligible at this time.
  • Applicants must be currently enrolled at UML and exhausted all other forms of financial aid available to them, including student loans, and have an extenuating circumstance which prevents them from being able to cover their remaining costs.
  • If a student is eligible to complete the FAFSA or MASFA form they will be required to have one on file before they can reviewed for funding. If a student submits a request there will be a review of the student’s financial aid eligibility, including eligibility for additional grant aid and for loans that the student will need to utilize before retention funds may be considered.
  • These funds are not for students who have other options to pay their costs and simply wish to receive a scholarship.

How Much May I Request?

Only request what you absolutely need. Decisions regarding amount and disbursement of funds are made on a case-by-case basis. Awards are not considered loans and do not require repayment. This funding is not intended to reimburse for expenses that have already been paid, or to replace existing financial aid. These are not merit-based funds. Some funds may be considered income and are therefore subject to federal taxes. Award amounts are capped at $2500.

How to Apply:

  • Students need to submit one application to be considered for all available funding types.
  • Only one application per academic year will be accepted. Applications are reviewed on a funds available basis. Once the funds are spent the application will be unavailable.
  • To request an application send an email to:
    Finish Line Scholars Fund email: scholarships@uml.edu
    Grad Last Mile Fund email: UML_Strive@uml.edu