Bentley University Offers First-Generation Students UMass Tuition

WALTHAM, MA — Bentley University announced Wednesday that they will be offering first-generation students from Massachusetts a private university education for the price of a state university.

The BentleyFirst program provides a scholarship that allows first-generation students to attend Bentley for the same tuition as UMass. It does not require a separate application and any eligible student who is accepted the Bentley will qualify.

“Empowering students from different backgrounds leads to diverse perspectives and conversations inside and outside the classroom that benefit all our students,” said Vice President of Enrollment Management Carolina Figueroa, who was the first in her family to graduate from college, in a statement. “The BentleyFirst program increases access to all the benefits that come from a private education including smaller classes, personal attention and student support.”

The scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters or until students complete their bachelor's degree. The amount will be adjusted each academic year to match the current tuition difference and students may also be eligible for additional financial aid.

Bentley has received national recognition for its commitment to the success of first-generation students. It has been named part of the 2021-2022 First-gen Forward cohort, a group of colleges and universities that have shown their dedication to improving the experiences and advancing the outcomes of first-generation college students.