University of Massachusetts Amherst

  • 8/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Amherst, MA
  • 5.0 1 review
#1 Best Public Universities in Massachusetts

Overview

Total enrollment

31,726
University of Massachusetts Amherst overview
University of Massachusetts Amherst overview
  • Size Large
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Located in western Massachusetts' Pioneer Valley, the University of Massachusetts Amherst serves as the flagship campus of the state's public university system. The 1,450-acre campus, established in 1863 as a land-grant agricultural college, features a mix of traditional New England architecture and modern facilities, including the distinctive W.E.B. Du Bois Library. UMass Amherst operates as a selective public research institution, particularly known for its programs in computer science, engineering, business, and food science, with the Isenberg School of Management and College of Information and Computer Sciences drawing significant enrollment. The university maintains a substantial residential system with multiple living-learning communities across several campus neighborhoods, and competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Minutemen and Minutewomen, with hockey and basketball serving as prominent sports programs.

Ratings

UMass is rated within the top 28% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    8 out of 10
  • Academics
    9 out of 10
  • Resources
    7 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    8 out of 10
  • Value
    8 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Elite
University of Massachusetts Amherst admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1310/1500
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 30/33
  • GPA 3.99

Acceptance Rate

59.7%
University of Massachusetts Amherst applications overview
  • Applications Due Jan 15, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 17.9%
  • Application Fee $85

Applicant Competition Average

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Annual Cost to Attend

Massachusetts Resident Tuition

$17,772

Out of State Resident Tuition

$40,449

Breakdown

In State Costs for University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Tuition $17,772
  • Books and Supplies $1,200
  • Other Fees $766
  • Room and Board $16,710
  • Budget for Other Expenses $1,440
  • Total One Year Cost $37,888

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$55,200 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

67% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at University of Massachusetts Amherst are Business, Social Sciences, and Psychology. 15% of students major in Business, 12% in Social Sciences, and 9% in Psychology.

  • Business 15%
  • Social Sciences 12%
  • Psychology 9%
  • Biology 8%
  • Communication 7%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering University of Massachusetts Amherst are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=166629.

GPA calculator: University of Massachusetts Amherst GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026