University of Massachusetts-Amherst: 63.5% Acceptance Rate

63.5%Acceptance

$17,357Tuition

23,694Students

83%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$71,631Earnings

#13 in MassachusettsPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Massachusetts-Amherst

UMass Amherst educates 23,694 students in the heart of western Massachusetts's college corridor. This flagship public research university has built its reputation on rigorous programs in business, engineering, and computer science. Notable graduates include former GE CEO Jack Welch and NBA legend Julius Erving. The small-city setting creates a classic college town atmosphere while providing access to major research opportunities.

The financial picture looks solid for most families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,103 after aid, while those from higher-income households ($110,000+) face a net price of $31,297. Graduates earn a median of $71,631 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $22,763 manageable. Monthly loan payments average $241, which represents a reasonable investment given the strong employment rate of 95.2%.

The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women, with 73.29% coming from Massachusetts. With 14,465 housing spots available, campus life thrives around the Minutemen athletics program, which competes in Division I with 17 varsity sports. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes are common, but the 91% retention rate suggests students adapt well to the research university environment.

Academics & Faculty

This flagship research university delivers serious academic firepower across disciplines, with particularly strong business, engineering, and computer science programs that attract major employers. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll compete for professor attention in some classes, but the 83% graduation rate shows most students successfully navigate the academic demands. UMass Amherst's research focus creates opportunities to work alongside faculty on modern projects, especially in STEM fields. The university's Isenberg School of Management consistently ranks among top public business programs nationally. With nearly 24,000 students, you'll find extensive course offerings and robust resources, though large lecture halls are common in introductory classes.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 80.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 83.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 83.2%
Retention Rate: 91.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $71,631
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer Science.	Master	$100,518
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$99,741
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$97,071
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$78,232
Education, General.	Doctoral	$76,460
Computer Engineering.	Bachelor	$75,518
Chemistry.	Doctoral	$69,338
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$69,338
Industrial Engineering.	Bachelor	$69,338
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$68,647

View all 306 programs →

Campus Life

UMass Amherst sprawls across a classic New England college town about 90 minutes from Boston. With housing capacity for 14,465 students and total enrollment of 23,694, roughly 60% of students live on campus in towering residence halls that define the skyline. The Pioneer Valley location means four distinct seasons, so pack both winter coats for snowy January mornings and shorts for warm September afternoons.

The campus buzzes with Big Ten energy despite being in the Mid-American Conference, with 619 varsity athletes competing across 17 sports. Students flock to basketball games at the Mullins Center, which doubles as a concert venue bringing major acts to western Massachusetts. The 91% retention rate reflects a campus where students find their niche among hundreds of clubs and organizations. Weekends blend house parties in the surrounding neighborhoods with outdoor adventures in the nearby Holyoke Range. The student body of 51.98% women and 48.02% men creates a balanced social atmosphere, while the 73.29% in-state population gives the campus a distinctly Massachusetts character rooted in regional pride.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 14,465 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

91 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Rape	11	10	4
Motor Vehicle Theft	16	1	0
Domestic Violence	10	5	0
Fondling	6	4	1
Aggravated Assault	6	3	1
Burglary	5	2	1
Arson	1	1	0
Stalking	1	1	0
Robbery	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 13°–33°F
July Avg: 59°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 46.0"
Annual Snowfall: -740.8"

Student Demographics

UMass Amherst draws a predominantly Massachusetts student base, with nearly three-quarters coming from in-state. The student body of 23,694 reflects the university's role as the flagship public research institution serving local families who want quality education without leaving home. One in five students receives Pell Grants, demonstrating the school's accessibility mission. The roughly even gender split mirrors the university's balanced strengths across liberal arts, business, and STEM fields. Strong representation of Asian American students aligns with the school's reputation in engineering and computer science programs.

Men: 48.0%
Women: 52.0%
White: 58.4%
Black: 4.4%
Hispanic: 8.7%
Asian: 13.6%
In-State Students: 73.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 20.3%

Location

UMass Amherst sits in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts, about 90 miles from Boston. The campus spans 1,463 acres in a classic New England college town surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. Amherst hosts a consortium of five colleges including Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and Amherst College, creating an intellectual center with over 30,000 students total. The area offers four distinct seasons with active fall foliage and proximity to skiing in the Berkshire Mountains. With 73.29% in-state enrollment, UMass draws heavily from Massachusetts families seeking quality public education. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare UMass Amherst with similar schools in the region.

Address: Amherst, Massachusetts 01003

Roscoe W. Thatcher of N.Y., 11-13-24 LCCN

University Museum of Contemporary Art, UMass, Amherst MA

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $71,631
Median Earnings (5 years): $74,615
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $44,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 77.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $241/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,763

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?

UMass Amherst accepts 63.52% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1370. The school draws primarily from Massachusetts with 73.29% in-state students, making it competitive but accessible for qualified New England residents.

How much does University of Massachusetts-Amherst cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $23,691, though costs vary dramatically by family income from $11,103 for low-income families to over $31,000 for wealthy ones. Graduates leave with a median debt of $22,763, which is manageable given the school's strong employment outcomes.

What academic programs is University of Massachusetts-Amherst known for?

UMass Amherst operates as a major public research university with particularly strong programs in business, engineering, and computer science. With 23,694 students and an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, it offers the resources of a large university while maintaining reasonable class sizes.

What are the career outcomes for University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $71,631 ten years after graduation with a 95.2% employment rate. The school's 83.20% six-year graduation rate reflects its commitment to student success, while the $241 monthly loan payment remains reasonable relative to earning potential.

Where is University of Massachusetts-Amherst located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in the small city of Amherst, Massachusetts, housing 14,465 students in on-campus facilities. As the flagship of the UMass system, it offers Division I athletics with 17 varsity sports and maintains the Minutemen and Minutewomen as team names, reflecting Massachusetts' Revolutionary War heritage.

Does University of Massachusetts-Amherst have notable alumni?

The school has produced an impressive range of successful graduates including former GE CEO Jack Welch, NBA legend Julius Erving, and Grammy-winning singer Natalie Cole. With over 23,000 current students, UMass Amherst continues building on its reputation as a pipeline for business leaders, athletes, and entertainers.