College Comparison
Boston College 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
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
School
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Boston College | UMass Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 15.7%wins | 57.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1430–1540wins | 1300–1480 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–34wins | 29–33 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $67,680 | $39,293wins |
| Avg Net Price | $39,866 | $23,691wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $103,937wins | $71,631 |
| Graduation Rate | 91.0%wins | 83.2% |
| Retention Rate | 95.4%wins | 91.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 13:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 9,865 | 23,694wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Boston College edges out UMass Amherst on 7 of 10 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.
Boston College Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 15.7%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1430–1540
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–34
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $103,937
UMass Amherst Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,293
- ✓Avg Net Price: $23,691
- ✓Total Enrollment: 23,694
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