Choosing the right college is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your future. Comparing colleges can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider, such as costs, tuition, admissions, academics, and campus life. In this article, we will compare and contrast two schools in Massachusetts: UMass Amherst and Amherst College, to help you make an informed decision.
UMass Amherst Overview
The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) is a public research university located in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts. Established in 1863, UMass Amherst is the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system and offers a wide range of majors and degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. With over 30,000 students enrolled, it is the largest public university in New England.
UMass Amherst Costs & Tuition
In-state tuition for UMass Amherst is approximately $16,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition is around $35,000 per year. This does not include room and board, which can add an additional $14,000 to the total cost. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with over 60% of students receiving some form of assistance.
UMass Amherst Admissions
UMass Amherst has an acceptance rate of approximately 64%, making it moderately competitive for admissions. The middle 50% of admitted students have a high school GPA between 3.8 and 4.2, an SAT score between 1220 and 1390, and an ACT score between 26 and 32.
UMass Amherst Degrees Offered
UMass Amherst offers over 100 undergraduate degree programs and more than 80 graduate degree programs across ten colleges and schools. Some popular majors include Business, Engineering, Biology, and Social Sciences.
UMass Amherst Academics
The university has a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, which ensures that students have access to personalized attention from their professors. It also offers a wide range of research opportunities and experiential learning, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
UMass Amherst Diversity
UMass Amherst is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. Approximately 29% of the student population identifies as a student of color. The university also offers various programs and resources to support underrepresented students, such as the Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success (CMASS).
UMass Amherst Students
With over 30,000 students, UMass Amherst has a vibrant and diverse community. There are more than 300 student organizations, clubs, and activities available, catering to a wide range of interests. The university also has a strong athletics program, with numerous varsity teams competing in NCAA Division I.
UMass Amherst Campus
The campus spans over 1,450 acres and features modern facilities, such as state-of-the-art research centers, libraries, and recreational spaces. There are various on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartment-style living.
UMass Amherst Alumni
UMass Amherst boasts a strong alumni network, with over 250,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include astronaut Catherine Coleman, bestselling author Eric Carle, and former NBA player Marcus Camby.
UMass Amherst Rankings
UMass Amherst is ranked #66 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, and #26 in Top Public Schools.
UMass Amherst Outcomes
The university has a strong track record of student success, with a four-year graduation rate of 67% and a six-year graduation rate of 82%. The average starting salary for recent graduates is around $48,000 per year.
Amherst Overview
Amherst College is a private liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts. Founded in 1821, Amherst is one of the oldest and most prestigious liberal arts colleges in the United States. It enrolls around 1,800 students and offers a wide range of majors in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Amherst Costs & Tuition
Tuition for Amherst College is approximately $60,000 per year, with room and board adding an additional $16,000 to the total cost. However, Amherst is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students, making it affordable for many families.
Amherst Admissions
Amherst College has an acceptance rate of around 13%, making it highly competitive for admissions. The middle 50% of admitted students have a high school GPA between 3.9 and 4.0, an SAT score between 1360 and 1550, and an ACT score between 31 and 34.
Amherst Degrees Offered
Amherst offers more than 40 areas of study and is known for its commitment to providing a personalized, interdisciplinary education. It is also part of the Five College Consortium, which allows students to take classes at neighboring colleges, including UMass Amherst, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College, and Smith College.
Amherst Academics
The college has a student-faculty ratio of 8:1, ensuring that students receive extensive attention from their professors. Many classes at Amherst are small, discussion-based seminars, which foster close relationships between students and faculty.
Amherst Diversity
Amherst College is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, with 45% of the student population identifying as students of color. The college also offers various support programs and resources for underrepresented students, such as the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC).
Amherst Students
Amherst has a close-knit and diverse community. There are over 150 student organizations, clubs, and activities available, catering to a wide range of interests. Amherst also has a strong athletics program, with numerous varsity teams competing in NCAA Division III.
Amherst Campus
The campus covers over 1,000 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings, beautiful green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities. On-campus housing is guaranteed for all four years, with a variety of residential options available.
Amherst Alumni
Amherst boasts an impressive alumni network, with notable graduates including Prince Albert II of Monaco, former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dan Brown.
Amherst Rankings
Amherst College is ranked #2 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.
Amherst Outcome
Amherst has an impressive 91% four-year graduation rate and a 93% six-year graduation rate. The average starting salary for recent graduates is around $60,000 per year.
UMass Amherst vs Amherst Cost Comparasion
UMass Amherst is significantly more affordable for in-state students, with tuition and fees totaling around $16,000 per year, compared to Amherst College’s $60,000 per year. However, Amherst College meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, which can make it more affordable for students with financial need.
UMass Amherst vs Amherst Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at Amherst College are considerably more competitive, with an acceptance rate of 13% compared to UMass Amherst’s 64% acceptance rate. However, both schools have high academic standards, with strong GPAs and standardized test scores required for admission.
UMass Amherst vs Academic Difficulty
Both UMass Amherst and Amherst College offer challenging academic programs, although Amherst’s smaller student-faculty ratio and focus on discussion-based learning may provide a more personalized educational experience. UMass Amherst offers a broader range of degree programs, while Amherst is more focused on the liberal arts.
UMass Amherst vs Amherst Outcome Comparasion
Amherst College has a higher 4-year and 6-year graduation rate compared to UMass Amherst but also has a higher average starting salary for recent graduates. Both schools have strong alumni networks and successful graduates, but the outcome may vary depending on individual factors such as major, career goals, and personal preferences.
