College Comparison
Penn State 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
Penn State
University Park, PA
School
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Penn State | UMass Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 54.2%wins | 57.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1220–1400 | 1300–1480wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–32 | 29–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,188 | $39,293wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,598 | $23,691wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435 | $71,631wins |
| Graduation Rate | 85.7%wins | 83.2% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 91.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 41,862wins | 23,694 |
Verdict
Penn State and UMass Amherst are remarkably similar across key metrics. Your decision should come down to campus culture, location, financial aid package, and specific program strength.
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 54.2%
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.7%
- ✓Retention Rate: 92.0%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 15:1
UMass Amherst Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1300–1480
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–33
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,293
- ✓Avg Net Price: $23,691
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