University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Massachusetts-Amherst has an acceptance rate of 59.7%, annual tuition of $17,772, average net price of $22,383, and a national rank of #1023 (Grade B), with a 83.3% six-year graduation rate, about 23,671 undergraduates, and median earnings of $60,347 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a public university in Amherst, MA. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Computer Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, and 91.9% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -32.6%, roughly 117.9 points below typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Massachusetts-Amherst Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates 83.3% of students within six years and keeps 91.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Massachusetts-Amherst's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $17,772 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,710 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,440 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $34,549 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 19.9% of University of Massachusetts-Amherst students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,164 to $30,793 depending on family income. Use University of Massachusetts-Amherst's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,964/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $30,793/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $60,347
- 10-Year Median Earnings $60,347
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 77.3%
- Employment Rate 15.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Massachusetts-Amherst's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Massachusetts-Amherst's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn $60,347 median, the -32.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 650-730
- SAT Math 660-770
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 30-33
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 23,671
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 91.9%
- Graduation Rate 83.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
How to Get Into University of Massachusetts-Amherst
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Massachusetts-Amherst requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 59.7%, University of Massachusetts-Amherst is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 59.7% acceptance rate, University of Massachusetts-Amherst is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1310 and 1500 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Massachusetts-Amherst undergraduates. Psychology, General, Computer Science, and Economics draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 7.0%
- Computer Science 4.6%
- Economics 4.6%
- Biology, General 4.4%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.3%
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 4.1%
See more majors
- Public Health 4.0%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 3.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $132,046
- 2. Computer Engineering $123,984
- 3. Computer and Information Sciences, General $100,600
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services $99,495
- 5. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $99,215
- 6. Finance and Financial Management Services $98,716
- 7. Chemical Engineering $96,939
- 8. Mechanical Engineering $94,995
- 9. Economics $91,255
- 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations $91,248
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $150,611
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $118,448
- 3. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $115,325
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $104,610
- 5. Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degree) $101,532
- 6. Public Health (Master's Degree) $92,131
- 7. Education, General (Doctoral Degree) $87,776
- 8. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $78,593
- 9. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $74,751
- 10. Special Education and Teaching (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $67,212
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $132,046—45% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($91,248). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $150,611 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 475 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 310 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 310 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 296 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 295 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (62 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Biology, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Public Health
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- English Language and Literature, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Sociology
- Journalism
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Chemical Engineering
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Civil Engineering
- History
- Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
- Nutrition Sciences
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Physics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians
- Music
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Anthropology
- Food Science and Technology
- Animal Sciences
- Sustainability Studies
- Social Sciences, Other
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Plant Sciences
- Philosophy
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Education, General
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Industrial Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Landscape Architecture
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Dance
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Area Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Public Policy Analysis
Online Master's Degrees (59 programs)â–¼
- Education, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Physics
- Music
- Public Policy Analysis
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Mechanical Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Sustainability Studies
- Civil Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Human Resources Management and Services
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- History
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Polymer/Plastics Engineering
- Mathematics
- Landscape Architecture
- Geography and Cartography
- Food Science and Technology
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Political Science and Government
- Industrial Engineering
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Applied Mathematics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Psychology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Sociology
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Plant Sciences
- Marine Sciences
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Anthropology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Architecture
- Animal Sciences
- Communication and Media Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Materials Engineering
- Education, Other
Online Doctoral Degrees (51 programs)â–¼
- Computer Science
- Education, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Chemistry
- Polymer/Plastics Engineering
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Food Science and Technology
- Economics
- Psychology, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Chemical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Civil Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Physics
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Animal Sciences
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Public Health
- Political Science and Government
- Plant Sciences
- Nutrition Sciences
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Industrial Engineering
- Music
- Marine Sciences
- History
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Anthropology
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Materials Engineering
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Education, Other
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (17 programs)â–¼
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Materials Sciences
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- History
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Sustainability Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Area Studies
- Music
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Cognitive Science
- Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (27 programs)â–¼
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Natural Sciences
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Public Health
- Social Sciences, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Public Policy Analysis
- Geography and Cartography
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Marine Sciences
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Demography and Population Studies
- Biotechnology
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Area Studies
- Economics
- Materials Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Music
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Real Estate
- Philosophy
- International Agriculture
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 23,671
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 47.7%
- Female Students 52.3%
- Caucasian 57.1%
- Asian 13.7%
- Hispanic 9.1%
- Black 4.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 19.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Massachusetts-Amherst's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Massachusetts-Amherst's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Massachusetts-Amherst support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Massachusetts-Amherst, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 19.9% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Massachusetts-Amherst support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Massachusetts-Amherst, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Massachusetts-Amherst serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1023 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $22,383 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $60,347 median earnings. The 83.3% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 91.9% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of Massachusetts-Amherst's Strengths
Ranked #1023 with a B grade, University of Massachusetts-Amherst prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of Massachusetts-Amherst excel at providing affordable education ($22,383 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of Massachusetts-Amherst's 91.9% retention and 83.3% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($60,347 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Massachusetts-Amherst and $22,383 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 83.3% six-year graduation rate sits 20.8 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 91.9% first-year retention is 15.1 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -32.6% return on investment is 117.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $60,347 run about 38% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $22,383 is roughly $4,986 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 91.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 15.5% employment rate within three years sits 52.7 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $22,383 is about $4,986 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 19.9% trails the national share by 19.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Amherst, MA, University of Massachusetts-Amherst operates as a public university and receives a B from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #1023 nationally Completion earns A, Support B+, Career Outcomes C-, and Affordability C+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 91.9% of first-year students return, and roughly 83.3% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -32.6% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $22,383 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $34,549.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $12,166 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 19.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $60,347 at the median. This is roughly 38% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 15.5% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -32.6% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
59.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Massachusetts-Amherst admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of Massachusetts-Amherst's acceptance rate?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst's acceptance rate is 59.7%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of Massachusetts-Amherst cost?
At University of Massachusetts-Amherst, listed tuition and fees are $17,772 per year, and the average net price after aid is $22,383. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Massachusetts-Amherst's ranking?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst ranks #1023 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of Massachusetts-Amherst's graduation rate?
At University of Massachusetts-Amherst, the six-year graduation rate is 83.3%, and first-year retention is 91.9%.
What are University of Massachusetts-Amherst's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Massachusetts-Amherst report median earnings of $60,347 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of Massachusetts-Amherst's student population?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst enrolls about 23,671 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Amherst, MA 01003
- Website www.umass.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$506.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate9.9%