University of Massachusetts-Amherst
About University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
UMass Amherst is a public research university in Amherst, Massachusetts. It is the flagship campus of the UMass system and offers strong programs in computer science, engineering, business, and the sciences. The campus is part of the Five College Consortium.
Founded
1863
Location
Amherst, Massachusetts
Students
31,477
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
59.7%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
83.3%
Above national average
In-State Tuition
$17,772
Out-of-state: $40,449
Avg Net Price
$22,383
After financial aid
SAT Average
1423
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$71,631
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
59.7 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$85
Early
Nov 5
Regular
Jan 15
University of Massachusetts-Amherst accepts 59.7% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1423/ 1600
ACT Scores
31/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
83.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
91.9%
4-Year Grad
77%
6-Year Grad
84%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
81.2%
$/Student
$20.8K
Class Size
Medium
77% of students graduate on time, and 81.2% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$17,772
In-State
$40,449
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,710
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$34,549
After Financial Aid
$22,383
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,164
Receive Grants
19.9%
Take Loans
46.6%
The full cost of attendance is about $34,549/yr for in-state students, including $16,710 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $22,383. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $40,449.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Massachusetts-Amherst fund their education.
While in School
19.9%
Get Grants
Free money
46.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$74,291
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,763
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$241/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $22,763 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Gender
52.3%
Female
48%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
23,671
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
7,806
Graduates
21.6%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
4.7%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (52% women, 48% men). 21.6% are first-generation college students. 7.6% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
23,671
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Amherst is a classic New England college town
- +Five College Consortium expands course options
- +Beautiful Pioneer Valley setting
- +Strong value for in-state students
Cons
- -Western Mass is isolated from Boston and NYC
- -Cold, snowy New England winters
- -Very large campus can feel impersonal
- -Party reputation persists despite improvements
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Massachusetts-Amherst fields 12 varsity teams with 791 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Atlantic 10
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
791
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
48% / 52%
383
Men
408
Women
8
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Massachusetts-Amherstearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$71,631
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$32K
617 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$89K
498 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$52K
417 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$40K
371 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$69K
343 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$64K
317 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $60K at six years, $52K at eight, and $72K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Massachusetts-Amherst
What is the acceptance rate at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?▾
How much does University of Massachusetts-Amherst cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?▾
How much do University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.