College Comparison
Boston University 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 University
Boston, MA
School
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Boston University | UMass Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.8%wins | 57.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1400–1520wins | 1300–1480 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–34wins | 29–33 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $65,168 | $39,293wins |
| Avg Net Price | $26,996 | $23,691wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $83,238wins | $71,631 |
| Graduation Rate | 90.0%wins | 83.2% |
| Retention Rate | 94.5%wins | 91.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 17,850 | 23,694wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Boston University 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 University Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 10.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1400–1520
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–34
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $83,238
UMass Amherst Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,293
- ✓Avg Net Price: $23,691
- ✓Total Enrollment: 23,694
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