College Comparison
University of Colorado Boulder 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
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
School
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | CU Boulder | UMass Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 83.3% | 57.8%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1230–1420 | 1300–1480wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–33 | 29–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $41,943 | $39,293wins |
| Avg Net Price | $21,480wins | $23,691 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $69,738 | $71,631wins |
| Graduation Rate | 75.0% | 83.2%wins |
| Retention Rate | 89.2% | 91.0%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 18:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 31,578wins | 23,694 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UMass Amherst edges out CU Boulder on 8 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.
CU Boulder Strengths
- ✓Avg Net Price: $21,480
- ✓Total Enrollment: 31,578
UMass Amherst Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 57.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1300–1480
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–33
- ✓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.