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