Choosing the right university can be a daunting task. Two universities that often come up in the conversation are the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) and the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). Both schools offer a wide range of programs and boast strong academic reputations. In this comparison, we’ll break down the key aspects of each school, including costs, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, and more to help you make an informed decision.
UMass Amherst Overview
UMass Amherst, located in Amherst, Massachusetts, is a public research university that was founded in 1863. As the largest campus in the University of Massachusetts system, UMass Amherst offers over 100 undergraduate, 76 master’s, and 48 doctoral programs across nine schools and colleges. The university is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and social sciences.
UMass Amherst Costs & Tuition
The cost of attending UMass Amherst varies depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate tuition is approximately $16,439, while out-of-state students pay around $36,964. This does not include additional fees, room and board, or other expenses. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with around 84% of undergraduates receiving some form of assistance.
UMass Amherst Admissions
UMass Amherst is considered a moderately selective university, with an acceptance rate of around 60%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1210 and 1390 or an ACT score between 26 and 31. In addition to test scores, UMass Amherst takes into account high school coursework, GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal statements when making admissions decisions.
UMass Amherst Degrees Offered
UMass Amherst offers a wide range of degrees across various fields of study. Some popular majors include business, engineering, social sciences, biological and biomedical sciences, and health professions. Additionally, the university offers interdisciplinary and customizable degree programs, allowing students to tailor their education to their unique interests and goals.
UMass Amherst Academics
UMass Amherst has a strong emphasis on research and experiential learning, offering students numerous opportunities to engage in hands-on projects, internships, and study abroad programs. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, ensuring that students have ample access to faculty and resources.
UMass Amherst Diversity
UMass Amherst is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. Approximately 32% of the undergraduate student body identifies as a person of color, and the university offers numerous resources and programs to support the academic success and well-being of its diverse community.
UMass Amherst Students
UMass Amherst has a vibrant student life, with over 300 student clubs and organizations covering a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, social, and recreational activities. The university also offers various housing options, including traditional residence halls, living-learning communities, and themed housing options.
UMass Amherst Campus
The UMass Amherst campus is located in the picturesque Pioneer Valley, offering students a beautiful setting with a mix of urban and rural environments. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including the Integrated Learning Center, the Life Science Laboratories, and the Isenberg School of Management.
UMass Amherst Alumni
UMass Amherst has a strong alumni network, with over 260,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Bill Pullman, Richard Gere, and Natalie Cole.
UMass Amherst Rankings
UMass Amherst ranks #66 in the 2021 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the university consistently ranks highly in various program-specific rankings, such as the College of Engineering and the Isenberg School of Management.
UMass Amherst Outcomes
UMass Amherst has a strong commitment to student success, with a four-year graduation rate of around 67%. The median starting salary for UMass Amherst alumni is around $50,000, and graduates go on to work in a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance.
UC Davis Overview
UC Davis, located in Davis, California, is a public research university that was founded in 1905. The university offers over 100 undergraduate majors, 90 graduate programs, and a variety of professional programs across four colleges and six professional schools. UC Davis is known for its strong programs in agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine, and environmental sciences.
UC Davis Costs & Tuition
The cost of attending UC Davis varies depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate tuition is approximately $14,597, while out-of-state students pay around $44,351. This does not include additional fees, room and board, or other expenses. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with around 73% of undergraduates receiving some form of assistance.
UC Davis Admissions
UC Davis is considered a moderately selective university, with an acceptance rate of around 39%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1170 and 1410 or an ACT score between 24 and 34. In addition to test scores, UC Davis takes into account high school coursework, GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal statements when making admissions decisions.
UC Davis Degrees Offered
UC Davis offers a wide range of degrees across various fields of study. Some popular majors include biological and biomedical sciences, agricultural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and health professions. Additionally, the university offers interdisciplinary and customizable degree programs, allowing students to tailor their education to their unique interests and goals.
UC Davis Academics
UC Davis has a strong emphasis on research and experiential learning, offering students numerous opportunities to engage in hands-on projects, internships, and study abroad programs. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, ensuring that students have ample access to faculty and resources.
UC Davis Diversity
UC Davis is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. Approximately 53% of the undergraduate student body identifies as a person of color, and the university offers numerous resources and programs to support the academic success and well-being of its diverse community.
UC Davis Students
UC Davis has a vibrant student life, with over 800 student clubs and organizations covering a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, social, and recreational activities. The university also offers various housing options, including traditional residence halls, living-learning communities, and themed housing options.
UC Davis Campus
The UC Davis campus is located in the scenic college town of Davis, California, offering students a welcoming, bike-friendly community with easy access to both the state capital of Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including the UC Davis Medical Center, the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, and the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science.
UC Davis Alumni
UC Davis has a strong alumni network, with over 270,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Martin Yan, Tracy Caldwell Dyson, and Ann Veneman.
UC Davis Rankings
UC Davis ranks #39 in the 2021 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the university consistently ranks highly in various program-specific rankings, such as the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the School of Veterinary Medicine.
UC Davis Outcomes
UC Davis has a strong commitment to student success, with a four-year graduation rate of around 66%. The median starting salary for UC Davis alumni is around $54,000, and graduates go on to work in a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, and agriculture.
UMass Amherst vs UC Davis Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending UMass Amherst and UC Davis, it is essential to consider both tuition and other expenses. In-state tuition at UMass Amherst is approximately $16,439, while UC Davis is around $14,597. Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher for both schools, with UMass Amherst at $36,964 and UC Davis at $44,351. Room, board, and other expenses should also be factored into the total cost. When considering financial aid, UMass Amherst reports that 84% of undergraduates receive assistance, while UC Davis reports 73%.
UMass Amherst vs UC Davis Admissions Difficulty
Both UMass Amherst and UC Davis are moderately selective universities, with UC Davis having a slightly lower acceptance rate of 39% compared to UMass Amherst’s 60%. The middle 50% of admitted students at both schools have similar test scores, with UMass Amherst students having an SAT range of 1210-1390 and UC Davis students having an SAT range of 1170-1410. Both schools take into account factors such as high school coursework, GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal statements when making admissions decisions.
UMass Amherst vs UC Davis Academic Difficulty
Academic rigor varies across programs and individual courses at both UMass Amherst and UC Davis. However, both universities have a strong emphasis on research and experiential learning, as well as access to faculty and resources. The student-to-faculty ratio at UMass Amherst is 17:1, compared to UC Davis’ 20:1. Students at both universities can expect to be challenged academically and have access to a wide range of resources to help them succeed.
UMass Amherst vs UC Davis Outcome Comparison
Both UMass Amherst and UC Davis have a strong commitment to student success, with four-year graduation rates of around 67% and 66%, respectively. The median starting salary for UMass Amherst alumni is around $50,000, while UC Davis alumni earn a slightly higher median salary of around $54,000. Graduates from both universities go on to work in various industries, with UMass Amherst alumni more likely to work in technology, healthcare, and finance, while UC Davis alumni often work in technology, healthcare, and agriculture.
