When it comes to choosing between two prestigious educational institutions such as MIT and UMass Amherst, there are several factors to consider. This comparison guide will provide an in-depth analysis of both schools, covering essential aspects such as tuition costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and more. By the end of this guide, you should have a clearer understanding of the differences between MIT and UMass Amherst, helping you make an informed decision on which school is the perfect fit for you.
MIT Overview
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1861, MIT is known for its strong emphasis on technology and engineering, as well as its reputable programs in other fields, such as economics, management, and the sciences. With competitive admissions and rigorous academics, MIT is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world.
MIT Costs & Tuition
MIT’s tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year is $55,510. Additionally, the estimated cost of attendance, including room and board, books, supplies, and other expenses, is approximately $78,918. However, MIT is committed to making education affordable, offering need-based financial aid to eligible students. Almost 60% of undergraduate students receive need-based scholarships, with the average annual award being $54,500.
MIT Admissions
Admissions at MIT are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 4%. To be considered for admission, applicants must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, recommendations from teachers and counselors, and complete an interview. Additionally, MIT requires applicants to submit essays and participate in extracurricular activities to showcase their talents and interests beyond academics.
MIT Degrees Offered
MIT offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across its five schools: Architecture and Planning; Engineering; Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences; Management; and Science. There are over 50 degree programs, with popular majors including engineering, computer science, business, and economics.
MIT Academics
MIT is known for its rigorous academics, with a strong focus on research and innovation. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, as well as a faculty of world-renowned experts in their fields. The student-to-faculty ratio at MIT is 3:1, allowing for personalized attention and close collaboration between students and professors.
MIT Diversity
MIT is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus, enrolling students from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. The undergraduate student body consists of approximately 46% female students and 54% male students, with 43% identifying as students of color.
MIT Students
MIT has a total enrollment of approximately 11,500 students, with around 4,500 undergraduate students and 7,000 graduate students. The undergraduate population is known for its collaborative and supportive culture, promoting an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.
MIT Campus
The MIT campus is located along the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts, covering 166 acres of land. The campus features state-of-the-art research facilities, classrooms, libraries, and recreational spaces. Additionally, there are over 400 student clubs and organizations, allowing students to explore and pursue their interests outside the classroom.
MIT Alumni
MIT boasts a strong alumni network of over 140,000 individuals across the globe. Notable alumni include astronauts, Nobel laureates, world leaders, and successful entrepreneurs, including Buzz Aldrin, Kofi Annan, and Dropbox co-founder Drew Houston.
MIT Rankings
MIT consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. In the 2021 QS World University Rankings, MIT was ranked as the No. 1 university globally for the ninth consecutive year.
MIT Outcomes
Graduates from MIT are sought after by top employers and graduate programs, with a six-month post-graduation employment rate of 94%. Additionally, the average starting salary for MIT graduates is around $90,000.
UMass Amherst Overview
The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) is a public research university located in Amherst, Massachusetts. Established in 1863, UMass Amherst is the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system and is known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, business, and the liberal arts. With a diverse student body and vibrant campus life, UMass Amherst provides a well-rounded educational experience for its students.
UMass Amherst Costs & Tuition
In-state tuition for UMass Amherst for the 2021-2022 academic year is $16,439, while out-of-state tuition is $36,829. Including room and board, books, supplies, and other expenses, the estimated cost of attendance for in-state students is approximately $32,286, and for out-of-state students, it is approximately $52,676. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with over 65% of undergraduate students receiving some form of financial assistance.
UMass Amherst Admissions
Admissions at UMass Amherst are moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 60%. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Extracurricular activities and achievements outside of academics are also considered during the admissions process.
UMass Amherst Degrees Offered
UMass Amherst offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across its nine schools and colleges: College of Education; College of Engineering; College of Humanities and Fine Arts; College of Information and Computer Sciences; College of Natural Sciences; College of Nursing; College of Social and Behavioral Sciences; Isenberg School of Management; and the School of Earth and Sustainability. There are over 110 undergraduate majors and 75 graduate programs to choose from.
UMass Amherst Academics
UMass Amherst is known for its comprehensive and diverse academic offerings, with a strong commitment to research and innovation. Students have access to modern facilities and resources, as well as a dedicated and knowledgeable faculty. The student-to-faculty ratio at UMass Amherst is 17:1.
UMass Amherst Diversity
UMass Amherst is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The undergraduate student body is comprised of approximately 52% female students and 48% male students, with 33% of students identifying as students of color.
UMass Amherst Students
UMass Amherst has a total enrollment of approximately 30,000 students, with around 24,000 undergraduate students and 6,000 graduate students. The campus community is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with numerous student clubs and organizations to engage in activities and interests outside of the classroom.
UMass Amherst Campus
The UMass Amherst campus, situated in the scenic Pioneer Valley, covers 1,450 acres and offers a wide range of academic, recreational, and cultural facilities. In addition to modern classrooms and research centers, the campus features various recreational spaces, libraries, and dining facilities to support student life.
UMass Amherst Alumni
UMass Amherst has a strong alumni network of over 250,000 individuals around the world. Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri, acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, and former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.
UMass Amherst Rankings
UMass Amherst consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UMass Amherst was ranked No. 66 among national universities, and No. 26 among public universities.
UMass Amherst Outcomes
Graduates from UMass Amherst are well-prepared for the job market and post-graduate education, with a six-month post-graduation employment rate of 92%. The average starting salary for UMass Amherst graduates is around $60,000.
MIT vs UMass Amherst Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of attendance between MIT and UMass Amherst, it’s essential to consider the difference in tuition for in-state and out-of-state students at UMass Amherst. In-state students at UMass Amherst will find a significantly lower cost of attendance compared to MIT, with estimated costs of $32,286 (in-state) and $52,676 (out-of-state) compared to MIT’s $78,918.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that both schools offer financial aid packages to eligible students, which can help offset the cost of attendance. While MIT’s tuition is higher, its need-based financial aid program is quite generous, with 60% of undergraduate students receiving need-based scholarships.
MIT vs UMass Amherst Admissions Difficulty
When considering the difficulty of admissions, MIT is significantly more competitive than UMass Amherst. With an acceptance rate of around 4%, MIT has one of the lowest acceptance rates in the country, while UMass Amherst has a more approachable acceptance rate of around 60%.
MIT vs UMass Amherst Academic Difficulty
Both MIT and UMass Amherst are known for their rigorous academic programs, but MIT is often considered more challenging due to its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and the STEM fields. While UMass Amherst also offers strong programs in these areas, the overall academic experience at MIT is more demanding and competitive.
MIT vs UMass Amherst Outcome Comparison
In terms of post-graduation outcomes, MIT graduates generally have higher starting salaries and employment rates compared to UMass Amherst.
