College Comparison
UC Berkeley vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
School
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UC Berkeley | UMass Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11.7%wins | 57.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1300–1480wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 29–33 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $45,627 | $39,293wins |
| Avg Net Price | $14,979wins | $23,691 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,446wins | $71,631 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.9%wins | 83.2% |
| Retention Rate | 96.8%wins | 91.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 33,073wins | 23,694 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Berkeley edges out UMass Amherst on 6 of 8 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
UC Berkeley Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 11.7%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $14,979
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,446
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.9%
UMass Amherst Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1300–1480
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,293
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.