UMass vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, MA with Worcester State University in Worcester, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Massachusetts Amherst is larger than Worcester State University based on total student enrollment (31,726 students vs. 5,745 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Amherst is located in Amherst, MA (Town Fringe setting); Worcester State University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Amherst 17:1; Worcester State University 16:1.

UMass vs. Worcester State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UMass or Worcester State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Worcester State University than UMass ($12,778 vs. $22,948).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 14.4% lower than at University of Massachusetts Amherst ($14,307 vs. $16,710).
• University of Massachusetts Amherst is 50.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $5,986 more per year; $17,772.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 126.4% higher at UMass than at Worcester State University (about $22,583 more per year; $40,449.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Amherst than at Worcester State University (81% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Massachusetts Amherst students is 38.5% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($13,110 vs. $9,464).

UMass vs. Worcester State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UMass or Worcester State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Worcester State University and UMass.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Massachusetts Amherst (1410) is 260 points higher than at Worcester State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Amherst 1310/1500; Worcester State University 1026/1283.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Amherst 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UMass - Test optional; Worcester State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UMass Jan 15, 2027; Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UMass students have a 0.69 point higher average high school GPA (3.99) than students at Worcester State University (3.3).
• Worcester State University has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than UMass (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.9% at UMass vs. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

UMass vs. Worcester State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UMass and Worcester State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Massachusetts Amherst's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from University of Massachusetts Amherst earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Worcester State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,200 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than UMass graduates ($20,000 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UMass graduates ($206 vs. $248).
• More UMass graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Worcester State University students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.