All schools
University of Massachusetts-Amherst logo
PublicUrban

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

UMass Amherst

Amherst, Massachusetts 01003

Visit website

Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Large campusUrban

Strong graduate outcomes — known for business

University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a public institution in Amherst with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 1393, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 23.7K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

83% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $71,631 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $23,691.

Established
1863
Motto
Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem
Mascot
Sam the Minuteman
Type
Public land-grant research university
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

132 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, May 29 · Campus Visit

Plan Your Visit

Admission Office

37 Mather Drive, Amherst, MA 01003

(413) 545-0222[email protected]
58%Acceptance
1393SAT Avg
23,694Students
18:1Student:Faculty
83%Grad Rate
$71,631Earnings 10yr
$23,691Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate57.8%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1393

Reading & WritingMid: 665
650720
MathMid: 690
650760

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 31
2933

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

Admissions

Test-OptionalTracks InterestOn-Campus Interviews

Application Platforms

Common ApplicationCoalition Application

Early Action

November 1

Regular Decision

January 15

Financial Aid

Need-Blind Meets 100% NeedMerit Scholarships

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$17,357
Tuition (out-of-state)$39,293
Room & Board$14,869
Books & Supplies$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance$33,389
Average Net Price$23,691
Median Debt at Graduation$22,763
Monthly Payment (10yr)$241

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$11,103
$30–48K$13,259
$48–75K$16,738
$75–110K$24,016
$110K+$31,297

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

52.0%

Median Debt at Grad

$20,000

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

179

Peer Average

240

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Incident Breakdown (2024)

46

Burglary

9

Aggravated Assault

6

Robbery

15

Motor Vehicle Theft

19

Sex Offenses

1

Arson

47

Drug Arrests

36

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Academics

Core/Distribution RequirementssemesterPhi Beta Kappa
Majors
109
Avg class size
27
Student-faculty ratio
18:1
Study abroad
17%
View all 10 majors
Computer SciencePsychologyBiologyCommunicationBusinessKinesiologyResource EconomicsEngineeringHospitality ManagementNursing

Five College Consortium

Amherst CollegeHampshire CollegeMount Holyoke CollegeSmith College

Programs (306)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

91%

Positive

Campus Life

Division IAtlantic 10 ConferenceGreek Life

Housing & Residential Life

first two years

Housing Styles

Traditional residence hallsSuite-style dormitoriesApartmentsResidential academic programs

Dining

Student Body

Undergrads
23,694
Gender Split
52% / 48%
Women / Men
First Generation
22%
Pell Grant Recipients
20%

Race & Ethnicity

White 58%
Black 4%
Hispanic 9%
Asian 14%
Two+ 4%
Int'l 8%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate83.2%
Freshman Retention91.0%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$60,347
10 Years$71,631

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

After Graduation

Top Employers

Mass General BrighamRaytheonLiberty MutualFidelity InvestmentsState Street

Notable Alumni

Jack Welch

Former CEO of General Electric

Julius Erving

NBA Hall of Fame basketball player

Richard Gere

Academy Award-nominated actor

Russell Hulse

Nobel Prize winner in Physics

Natalie Cole

Grammy Award-winning singer

Bill Pullman

Actor

Rankings

U.S. News
#64
vs 2024
Forbes
#152
vs 2024
Wall Street Journal
#29
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#63
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Aggies

Intercollegiate baseballIntercollegiate basketballWrestlingRowingTennisIce hockeyAnd women

History & Fun Facts

  • History Foundation and early years The Stockbridge House on the campus of the university is the oldest house in the city of Amherst, built in 1728.
  • In 1867, the college had yet to admit any students and had not completed any buildings but had been through two presidents.
  • Clark became the first president to serve long-term after the school's opening.
  • The University's Centennial Seal and Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher who was president when Massachusetts Agricultural College changed its name to Massachusetts State College in 1931.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

143Very High

Estimated from MA state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Bostonpop. 675K
75 mi(130 min)
New Yorkpop. 8.3M
139 mi(241 min)
Philadelphiapop. 1.6M
217 mi(376 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

BDL Hartford Bradley32 mi
MHT Manchester-Boston67 mi
ALB Albany70 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA75 mi · ~2h 10m drive
New York, NY139 mi · ~4h 1m drive
Hartford, CT44 mi · ~1h 16m drive
Providence, RI69 mi · ~2h drive
Albany, NY65 mi · ~1h 53m drive
Syracuse, NY189 mi · ~5h 28m drive
Rochester, NY263 mi · ~7h 36m drive
Buffalo, NY325 mi · ~9h 23m drive
Philadelphia, PA217 mi · ~6h 16m drive
Pittsburgh, PA410 mi · ~11h 51m drive
Harrisburg, PA269 mi · ~7h 46m drive
Newark, NJ142 mi · ~4h 6m drive
Trenton, NJ189 mi · ~5h 28m drive
Central (cold winters, warm summers)

Nearby Attractions

Amherst Centerwalkable

College town with shops, restaurants, and culture

Emily Dickinson Museumwalkable

Historic home of the famous poet

Mount Holyoke Range

Hiking trails with scenic views

Northampton

Vibrant arts community

Transfer Admission

Minimum credits
27 semester hours

International Students

English Proficiency Requirements

TOEFL
IELTS
Duolingo

Deadline Calendar

University of Massachusetts-Amherst Application Checklist

Decision Notifications