Overview
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a less selective public four-year institution in Amherst, Massachusetts. The school accepts 63.5% of applicants and enrolls 23,694 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 63.5%
- Average SAT
- 1,370
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,260–1,480
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 31
- Total Enrollment
- 23,694
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
UMass Amherst runs a rolling admissions process, so submit your application early in the fall to maximize your chances and avoid the stress of competing against a larger pool later. The Commonwealth Honors College operates as a separate application within your main application, requiring additional essays that focus on intellectual growth and academic goals rather than extracurricular achievements.
Your application will stand out if you can connect your interests to UMass's specific research opportunities and programs. The computer science program offers direct industry partnerships with companies like Google and Microsoft through the Industry Mentorship Program. Engineering students can highlight the school's connection to the Northeast Robotics Validation and Experimentation facility. Nursing applicants should mention the state-of-the-art simulation labs that use high-fidelity mannequins for clinical training.
The campus operates like a small city with over 20,000 students, so independence and self-advocacy matter more here than at smaller schools. You need to actively seek out professors, research opportunities, and internships rather than waiting for them to find you. Students who succeed here are comfortable navigating large lecture halls while also building smaller communities through residential colleges, club sports, or academic organizations.
Write your essays about specific faculty members whose research interests align with your goals, or mention particular facilities like the W.E.B. Du Bois Library's 26th-floor view that overlooks the Pioneer Valley. Avoid generic statements about wanting a "big school experience." Instead, explain how you plan to use UMass's size to your advantage, whether through the 300+ student organizations or the five-college consortium that lets you take classes at Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith.
Your academic record needs to show you can handle the workload of large lecture courses where professors won't chase you down for missing assignments. Strong performance in AP or dual enrollment classes signals you can manage college-level independence. If you're applying to engineering or computer science, make sure your math preparation extends through calculus, as these programs move quickly through foundational concepts.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $23,691/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $17,357
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $39,293
- Students Receiving Aid
- 20%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 83.2%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $71,631/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 91.0%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline for University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
UMass Amherst has a January 15 deadline for fall admission. The school uses rolling admissions, so applying earlier in the cycle may improve your chances.
Does University of Massachusetts-Amherst require SAT or ACT scores?
UMass Amherst is test-optional for most applicants. You can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of your application.
Does University of Massachusetts-Amherst offer early decision or early action?
UMass Amherst offers early action with a November 1 deadline. This is non-binding, meaning you can apply to other schools and compare offers.
What GPA do you need to transfer to University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
Transfer applicants to UMass Amherst typically need a minimum 2.5 GPA from their previous college coursework. Some competitive programs may require higher GPAs for admission.