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College Comparison

University of Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

School

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricUPennUMass Amherst
Acceptance Rate5.9%wins57.8%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1500–1570wins1300–1480
ACT Range (25th–75th)34–35wins29–33
Tuition (Out-of-State)$66,104$39,293wins
Avg Net Price$31,229$23,691wins
Median Earnings (10 yr)$111,371wins$71,631
Graduation Rate96.8%wins83.2%
Retention Rate98.1%wins91.0%
Student–Faculty Ratio8:1wins18:1
Total Enrollment10,76823,694wins

Verdict

Based on the data above, UPenn 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.

UPenn Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1570
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $111,371

UMass Amherst Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,293
  • Avg Net Price: $23,691
  • Total Enrollment: 23,694

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