About

About University of Massachusetts-Amherst

public research universityflagship massachusetts campusstrong stem programslarge student bodydoctoral very high research

University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a public research university in Amherst, MA, known for its public research university, flagship massachusetts campus, and strong stem programs. With an acceptance rate of 64%, UMass is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 5,589 students each year. UMass is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1330–1480, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. UMass offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $10,509 per year; the sticker price of $52,959 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

University of Massachusetts-Amherst acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

64%
Overall Accept Rate
4.00
Typical Admitted GPA
1405
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.75 – 4.00 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1330 – 1480 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 30 – 34

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of Massachusetts-Amherst

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
UMass Amherst treats essays as a meaningful but not decisive factor, so use your personal statement to show something concrete about who you are rather than restating your resume. Tie your story to a specific academic interest or community you want to engage with on campus.
Test Score Strategy
UMass Amherst is test optional, and if your score falls below their middle range, you are better off not submitting it so the admissions committee focuses on your grades and essays rather than a weaker number.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What University of Massachusetts-Amherst actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: University of Massachusetts-Amherst has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $75,000, the average net annual cost is $0. University of Massachusetts-Amherst's sticker price of ~$53k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30kOften $0~$53k/yr~$0 / yr
30k-48kOften $0~$53k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75kOften $0~$53k/yr~$0 / yr
75k-110k~$53k/yr$19.0k
110k+~$53k/yr$30.8k

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Personalize this page

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

83%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$60k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
24,806
Undergrad Enrollment
University of Massachusetts-Amherst Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch