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University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA·Public·23,694 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want a large campus community and in-state Massachusetts residents. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $57,700 within 10 years; strong 83% graduation rate.

58%
Accept
23,694
Students
$23,691
Net Price
83%
Grad Rate
$57,700
Earnings
10 yr
$20,000
Debt

About This School

University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a public institution located in Amherst, Massachusetts with approximately 23,694 undergraduate students enrolled. University of Massachusetts-Amherst has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 58%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,691 per year. The graduation rate is 83%, and the typical graduate earns $57,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public land-grant research university in Amherst, Massachusetts, United States. It is the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system and was founded in 1863 as the Massachusetts Agricultural College. It is also a member of the Five College Consortium, along with four other colleges in the Pioneer Valley.

This is a strong option for students who want a flagship research university experience at a reasonable cost — with an 83% graduation rate, strong freshman retention (91%), and median debt of just $20,000 at graduation, the fundamentals hold up well. The Five College Consortium adds real academic breadth by giving students access to Amherst, Smith, Hampshire, and Mount Holyoke alongside UMass itself. The one honest caveat: median earnings of $57,700 a decade out are solid but not standout, so students in lower-paying fields should think carefully about their specific program's outcomes rather than banking on the school's overall reputation.

Founded
1863
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing15%
Biological Sciences10%
Social Sciences10%
Psychology7%
Computer Science7%
Engineering7%
Health Professions7%
Communications4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Richard GereBill CosbyRussell Alan HulseJoseph Hooton TaylorLiev SchreiberNatalie ColeLynn MargulisTed HughesJulius ErvingBill PullmanVernon L. SmithMarilynne Robinson

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1393
Reading 75th %ile720
Math 75th %ile760

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite31

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$17,357
Out-of-State Tuition
$39,293
Avg Net Price
$23,691
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants20%
Median debt at graduation$20,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
83%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
91%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$57,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$20,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$20,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$44,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$57,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.9x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White58%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian14%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (23,694 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

374 Whitmore Building 181 Presidents Drive

Amherst, MA 01003

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Massachusetts

Browse all Massachusetts schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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