In this comparison, we will take an in-depth look at two highly-regarded universities in the United States: UMass Amherst and Penn State University. We will cover various aspects of each institution, including costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and more. By the end, you’ll have a well-rounded understanding of both schools and be better equipped to make an informed decision about which is the right fit for you.
[UMass Amherst] Overview
The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) is a public research university located in Amherst, Massachusetts, United States. Established in 1863, it is the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system and is known for its strong emphasis on research, academics, and diverse student body. UMass Amherst offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields, making it an excellent choice for students looking to pursue a higher education.
[UMass Amherst] Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the total estimated cost of attendance for in-state students at UMass Amherst is $31,500, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $50,300. This includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other miscellaneous expenses. Financial aid packages are available for eligible students, with an average award of $14,000.
[UMass Amherst] Admissions
UMass Amherst has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 64%. Prospective students must submit their application materials, including high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1290, while the average ACT score is 29.
[UMass Amherst] Degrees Offered
UMass Amherst offers a broad range of degree programs across the undergraduate and graduate levels, with over 100 majors and minors to choose from. Some popular areas of study include business, engineering, computer science, biology, and psychology.
[UMass Amherst] Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1 and an average class size of 29, UMass Amherst offers a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Students have access to numerous research opportunities, as well as study abroad programs, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities.
[UMass Amherst] Diversity
UMass Amherst is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university’s student population is composed of approximately 25% underrepresented minorities, and numerous resources and support services are available to assist students from various backgrounds.
[UMass Amherst] Students
Enrollment at UMass Amherst stands at nearly 30,000 students, with roughly 24,000 undergraduate and 6,000 graduate students. The campus is known for its vibrant student life, with over 300 clubs and organizations, as well as various recreational and athletic facilities.
[UMass Amherst] Campus
The UMass Amherst campus spans over 1,450 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture. Students have access to state-of-the-art academic and research facilities, as well as recreational areas, dining halls, and residence halls. The campus is located in the picturesque town of Amherst, which offers numerous cultural and entertainment options.
[UMass Amherst] Alumni
UMass Amherst has a strong alumni network, with over 250,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include Jack Welch (former CEO of General Electric), Bill Pullman (actor), and Richard Gere (actor).
[UMass Amherst] Rankings
UMass Amherst is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. As of 2021, it is ranked #66 in National Universities and #26 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
[UMass Amherst] Outcomes
The university boasts a strong post-graduation success rate, with 93% of graduates either employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for UMass Amherst graduates is $58,000.
[Penn State University] Overview
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is a public research university located in University Park, Pennsylvania, United States. Established in 1855, it is a renowned institution known for its academic excellence, research capabilities, and vibrant campus life. Penn State offers over 160 undergraduate and numerous graduate degree programs, attracting students from across the country and around the world.
[Penn State University] Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for in-state students at Penn State is $36,000, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $52,000. This includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other miscellaneous expenses. Financial aid packages are available for eligible students, with an average award of $8,000.
[Penn State University] Admissions
Admission to Penn State is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 56%. Prospective students must submit their application materials, including high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1270, while the average ACT score is 28.
[Penn State University] Degrees Offered
Penn State offers a wide range of degree programs across the undergraduate and graduate levels, with over 160 majors and minors available. Popular areas of study at Penn State include engineering, business, communication, agricultural sciences, and health professions.
[Penn State University] Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 and an average class size of 35, Penn State provides a collaborative learning environment for its students. Research opportunities and experiential learning are abundant, with numerous internships, study abroad programs, and other hands-on experiences available.
[Penn State University] Diversity
Penn State is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university’s student population is composed of approximately 20% underrepresented minorities, and various resources and support services are available to assist students from different backgrounds.
[Penn State University] Students
Penn State has an enrollment of over 46,000 students, with approximately 40,000 undergraduate and 6,000 graduate students. The campus is known for its active student life, offering over 1000 clubs and organizations, as well as numerous recreational and athletic facilities.
[Penn State University] Campus
The Penn State campus spans over 7,958 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture. Students have access to state-of-the-art academic and research facilities, as well as recreational areas, dining halls, and residence halls. The campus is located in the charming town of University Park, which offers a variety of cultural and entertainment options.
[Penn State University] Alumni
Penn State has a vast alumni network, with over 690,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include Keegan-Michael Key (actor and comedian), Lara Spencer (TV journalist), and Mark Parker (former CEO of Nike).
[Penn State University] Rankings
Penn State is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. As of 2021, it is ranked #63 in National Universities and #23 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
[Penn State University] Outcomes
Penn State boasts a strong post-graduation success rate, with 94% of graduates either employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Penn State graduates is $57,000.
[UMass Amherst] vs [Penn State University] Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of attendance for both UMass Amherst and Penn State University, there are some notable differences. For in-state students, UMass Amherst is the more affordable option, with an estimated cost of attendance of $31,500. In contrast, in-state students at Penn State can expect to pay around $36,000. For out-of-state students, the costs are relatively similar, with UMass Amherst at $50,300 and Penn State at $52,000.
Financial aid packages are available at both institutions, with UMass Amherst offering an average award of $14,000 and Penn State offering an average award of $8,000.
[UMass Amherst] vs [Penn State University] Admissions Difficulty
Both UMass Amherst and Penn State University have selective admissions processes, with UMass Amherst having an acceptance rate of approximately 64% and Penn State having an acceptance rate of around 56%. The average SAT score for admitted students at UMass Amherst is 1290, while the average SAT score at Penn State is 1270. Similarly, the average ACT score at UMass Amherst is 29, while at Penn State, the average is 28. Overall, Penn State tends to be slightly more selective in its admissions process compared to UMass Amherst.
[UMass Amherst] vs [Penn State University] Academic Difficulty
Both UMass Amherst and Penn State University are known for their rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on research. While it is difficult to compare the academic difficulty of each institution directly, students at both schools can expect to be challenged in their coursework and have ample opportunities to engage in high-quality research and experiential learning opportunities.
[UMass Amherst] vs [Penn State University] Outcome Comparison
Both UMass Amherst and Penn State University boast strong post-graduation success rates, with 93% of UMass Amherst graduates and 94% of Penn State graduates either employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for UMass Amherst graduates is $58,000, while the average starting salary for Penn State graduates is $57,000. Ultimately, both universities offer excellent opportunities for their graduates to succeed in their respective fields.
