Located on the Massachusetts south coast, only a short drive from Cape Cod, Providence and Boston, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has been ranked among the top northern public universities by U.S. News and World Report. The quality of life on the south coast of Massachusetts is rich with cultural attractions, beautifully preserved and restored historic districts, museums, live theatre and an excellent educational system. Recreational opportunities include boating, beaches, rivers, golf courses, camping grounds, beautiful state parks, waterfront parks and a new zoo.

UMass Dartmouth offers a broad range of baccalaureate and graduate degrees vital to the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of the region. It has an enrollment of over 9,200 students in over 40 undergraduate and 36 graduate programs (including 11 at the Ph.D. level) offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, the Charlton College of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Nursing, the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the School for Marine Science and Technology. The main campus was designed by the eminent architect Paul Rudolf and is located on 710 acres in North Dartmouth. Other university sites include theCenter for Marine Science and Technology on the waterfront in New Bedford, the Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center in Fall River and the Star Store Center for the Arts in New Bedford. 

While retaining its commitment to excellence in undergraduate education, UMass Dartmouth has increased dramatically its research and outreach activities during the past ten years. R&D spending has increased in the last five years from $20.1 million to $25.6 million and the university has established centers in Policy Studies, Portuguese Studies & Culture, Business Research, Marine Science &Technology and Indic Studies to significantly expand its research and public service activities in ways that meet regional needs but have global impact.