Comparing universities is an essential part of the college application process, and this article offers a thorough analysis of two prominent institutions: the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) and Southern Methodist University (SMU). We will examine various aspects of each university, such as costs, admissions, academics, and outcomes to help you make an informed decision.
UMass Amherst Overview
The University of Massachusetts Amherst, founded in 1863, is a public research university located in Amherst, Massachusetts. It is the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system and offers over 110 undergraduate degree programs to its 23,000+ students. UMass Amherst is well-known for its academic excellence and strong research initiatives.
UMass Amherst Costs & Tuition
For in-state students, tuition at UMass Amherst for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $16,439, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $36,964. Additional costs, such as room and board, books, and personal expenses, bring the total cost of attendance to roughly $32,000 for in-state students and over $52,000 for out-of-state students. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for eligible students.
UMass Amherst Admissions
UMass Amherst has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 64%. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1200 and 1390 and ACT scores between 26 and 31. High school GPA is also a significant factor, as the average GPA for admitted students is 3.9 on a 4.0 scale.
UMass Amherst Degrees Offered
UMass Amherst offers over 110 undergraduate degree programs across various disciplines, including arts and humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and social sciences. Popular majors include business, psychology, biology, and computer science.
UMass Amherst Academics
The academic environment at UMass Amherst is known for its rigorous coursework and research opportunities. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, ensuring students receive personalized attention. UMass Amherst is also home to numerous research centers and institutes, offering students the chance to engage in cutting-edge research projects.
UMass Amherst Diversity
UMass Amherst is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. The university has various resources and programs to support underrepresented students, such as the Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
UMass Amherst Students
UMass Amherst has a diverse student body, with students hailing from over 70 countries and representing various cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Students can participate in over 350 clubs and organizations, ranging from academic and professional groups to recreational and cultural clubs.
UMass Amherst Campus
The UMass Amherst campus spans over 1,450 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, research centers, and recreational spaces. The campus is known for its picturesque setting, with numerous green spaces, ponds, and walking trails.
UMass Amherst Alumni
UMass Amherst has a strong alumni network of over 250,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric; Bill Cosby, actor and comedian; and Natalie Cole, singer and songwriter.
UMass Amherst Rankings
UMass Amherst is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report, the university is ranked #66 among national universities and #26 among public universities.
UMass Amherst Outcomes
UMass Amherst has a strong track record of producing successful graduates. Within six months of graduation, 91% of students are employed or enrolled in graduate programs, and the average starting salary for UMass Amherst graduates is $54,000.
SMU Overview
Southern Methodist University, founded in 1911, is a private research university located in Dallas, Texas. SMU offers over 100 undergraduate degree programs to its 7,000+ undergraduate students. The university is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and the arts.
SMU Costs & Tuition
Tuition at SMU for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $58,540. Additional costs, such as room and board, books, and personal expenses, bring the total cost of attendance to around $77,000. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for eligible students.
SMU Admissions
SMU has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 47%. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1280 and 1460 and ACT scores between 28 and 33. High school GPA is also a significant factor, as the average GPA for admitted students is 3.7 on a 4.0 scale.
SMU Degrees Offered
SMU offers over 100 undergraduate degree programs across various disciplines, including arts and humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and social sciences. Popular majors include business, engineering, and performing arts.
SMU Academics
The academic environment at SMU is known for its rigorous coursework and research opportunities. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, ensuring students receive personalized attention. SMU is also home to numerous research centers and institutes, offering students the chance to engage in cutting-edge research projects.
SMU Diversity
SMU is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. The university has various resources and programs to support underrepresented students, such as the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and the Women and LGBT Center.
SMU Students
SMU has a diverse student body, with students hailing from over 75 countries and representing various cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Students can participate in over 200 clubs and organizations, ranging from academic and professional groups to recreational and cultural clubs.
SMU Campus
The SMU campus spans over 234 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, research centers, and recreational spaces. The campus is known for its stunning architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds.
SMU Alumni
SMU has a strong alumni network of over 130,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include Laura Bush, former First Lady of the United States; Kourtney Kardashian, reality TV star; and Robert Dedman Jr., former CEO of ClubCorp.
SMU Rankings
SMU is consistently ranked among the top private universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report, the university is ranked #66 among national universities.
SMU Outcome
SMU has a strong track record of producing successful graduates. Within six months of graduation, 84% of students are employed or enrolled in graduate programs, and the average starting salary for SMU graduates is $58,000.
UMass Amherst vs SMU Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of attendance, SMU is significantly more expensive than UMass Amherst, with a total cost of approximately $77,000 compared to $32,000 (in-state) or $52,000 (out-of-state) for UMass Amherst. However, both universities offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities for eligible students, which can help offset the costs.
UMass Amherst vs SMU Admissions Difficulty
Both UMass Amherst and SMU have competitive admissions processes, with SMU being slightly more selective with an acceptance rate of 47% compared to UMass Amherst’s 64%. The middle 50% of admitted students at both schools have similar SAT and ACT score ranges, but UMass Amherst typically admits students with slightly higher average GPAs.
UMass Amherst vs SMU Academic Difficulty
Both UMass Amherst and SMU are known for their rigorous academic environments and research opportunities. While UMass Amherst has a slightly larger student population, both schools have relatively low student-faculty ratios, offering students personalized attention and support. The choice between the two may depend on the specific program of interest, as both schools have strengths in different areas.
UMass Amherst vs SMU Outcome Comparison
UMass Amherst and SMU both have strong records of producing successful graduates, with UMass Amherst having a slightly higher percentage of students employed or enrolled in graduate programs within six months of graduation (91% vs. 84%). The average starting salaries for graduates from both schools are also relatively close, with SMU graduates earning an average of $58,000 and UMass Amherst graduates earning an average of $54,000.
