College Comparison
Rutgers 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
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
School
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Rutgers | UMass Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 65.3% | 57.8%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1270–1480 | 1300–1480wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–33 | 29–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $36,001wins | $39,293 |
| Avg Net Price | $23,519wins | $23,691 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $74,479wins | $71,631 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.0%wins | 83.2% |
| Retention Rate | 92.6%wins | 91.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 36,357wins | 23,694 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Rutgers 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.
Rutgers Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $36,001
- ✓Avg Net Price: $23,519
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $74,479
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.0%
UMass Amherst Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 57.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1300–1480
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–33
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