UMass Amherst Acceptance Rate 2026: 60% Admitted

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University of Massachusetts Amherst Acceptance Rate 2026

Quick Answer

University of Massachusetts Amherst admitted approximately 60% of applicants for the 2026 academic year, making it a moderately selective public research university. In-state tuition is $17,772 annually, while out-of-state tuition reaches $40,449. Graduates earn a median of $71,631 ten years after enrollment, reflecting strong career outcomes across diverse fields.

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Acceptance Snapshot

For the 2026 academic year (data as of April 2026), UMass Amherst maintained an acceptance rate of 59.73%, meaning the university admitted roughly 6 out of every 10 applicants. With a total student enrollment of 23,671 students, the campus supports one of the largest public universities in the Northeast.

This acceptance rate reflects UMass Amherst’s position as a selective but accessible flagship institution. The university balances rigorous academic standards with a commitment to enrolling talented students from diverse socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds. Prospective students should note that while the overall acceptance rate exceeds 50%, competitive applicants typically demonstrate strong academic credentials and engagement in extracurricular activities.

SAT & ACT Scores

While specific 25th-75th percentile test score data is not available in the current dataset, prospective students are encouraged to verify current testing requirements and score ranges directly with the university’s admissions office. UMass Amherst typically requires or recommends standardized test submission as part of the application review process. Applicants should check the Umass Amherst Admissions page for the most current testing policies and score information.

Tuition & Costs

UMass Amherst offers significantly different pricing for in-state and out-of-state students, reflecting its status as a public university.

Annual Tuition (2026):

  • In-State Tuition: $17,772
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $40,449

These figures represent tuition and mandatory fees only. The total cost of attendance, including room, board, books, and personal expenses, will be substantially higher. Students should budget for additional costs and consult the university’s cost of attendance calculator for comprehensive financial planning.

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Financial Aid Overview

UMass Amherst is committed to making education affordable through financial aid. The average net price for students is $22,383 annually, which represents the average amount families pay after grant aid is applied. This figure is significantly lower than the published out-of-state tuition, indicating substantial institutional and federal aid availability.

The median student debt upon graduation is $22,763, suggesting that while many students borrow to finance their education, debt levels remain manageable relative to post-graduation earnings. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and explore all available aid options, including federal grants, loans, work-study, and institutional scholarships.

Graduation Rates

UMass Amherst demonstrates strong student success outcomes. The university reports a completion rate of 83.21%, indicating that approximately 8 out of 10 students who enroll complete their degree program. This rate exceeds the national average for four-year public universities, reflecting effective academic support systems, career services, and student engagement initiatives.

Post-Graduation Earnings

Graduates of UMass Amherst earn a median of $71,631 ten years after initial enrollment, according to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data. This figure reflects earnings across all majors and represents a strong return on investment, particularly when compared to the average net price of attendance.

Earnings vary significantly by field of study. Engineering, computer science, and business graduates typically earn above the median, while humanities and social science graduates may earn somewhat less. However, the overall median demonstrates that UMass Amherst education translates into solid career outcomes across diverse professional fields.

UMass Amherst offers over 100 undergraduate majors across five colleges. While specific degree-by-major data is not available in the current dataset, the university is particularly strong in engineering, computer science, business, biological sciences, and physical sciences. Students interested in specific programs should visit the university’s academic departments website to review program requirements, faculty expertise, and career outcomes.

Demographics

UMass Amherst serves a diverse student body reflecting Massachusetts and the broader Northeast region. The university is committed to building a campus community that represents multiple perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. For current demographic enrollment data broken down by race, ethnicity, gender, and other categories, prospective students should consult the university’s institutional research office or the Common Data Set published annually.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are my chances of getting into UMass Amherst?

With a 59.73% acceptance rate, UMass Amherst is moderately selective. Your chances depend on your academic record, test scores, essays, and extracurricular involvement. Strong applicants typically have GPAs above 3.5 and competitive standardized test scores. However, the university practices holistic review, meaning factors beyond grades matter significantly.

How much does UMass Amherst cost for out-of-state students?

Out-of-state tuition is $40,449 annually. Total cost of attendance, including room, board, books, and personal expenses, typically ranges from $65,000–$75,000 per year. However, many out-of-state students receive financial aid that reduces their actual out-of-pocket costs. The average net price across all students is $22,383.

Is UMass Amherst worth the cost?

UMass Amherst graduates earn a median of $71,631 ten years after enrollment, and the university’s 83.21% completion rate indicates strong student success. For in-state students, the return on investment is particularly strong given lower tuition. Out-of-state students should carefully evaluate financial aid packages and compare total costs against career earnings potential.

What’s the graduation rate at UMass Amherst?

The completion rate is 83.21%, meaning approximately 8 out of 10 students graduate. This exceeds the national average for public universities and reflects strong academic support, career services, and student engagement.

Does UMass Amherst require standardized tests?

Test submission policies vary by program and may change. Prospective students should verify current SAT/ACT requirements directly with the admissions office, as policies have evolved in recent years.

How much financial aid does UMass Amherst offer?

The average net price is $22,383 annually after grant aid. The median student debt is $22,763 upon graduation. Aid availability depends on FAFSA results, merit scholarships, and state/federal programs. All applicants should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility.

UMass Amherst offers over 100 majors across five colleges. Engineering, computer science, business, biological sciences, and physical sciences are among the strongest and most popular programs. Specific enrollment numbers by major are available through the university’s institutional research office.

Data Sources

This article uses data from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard, accessed April 11, 2026. Figures include acceptance rate, tuition, net price, median earnings, completion rate, and enrollment data.

Important Note: College data changes annually. Prospective students should verify all tuition, financial aid, test score requirements, and admission statistics directly with the University of Massachusetts Amherst admissions office and official website. This article provides a snapshot based on the most recently available data but should not be considered the sole source for application decisions.