UMass Amherst
Source: umass_amherst.md
UMass Amherst
Admissions (Class of 2029 / Fall 2025)
- Total applicants: 53,040
- Overall acceptance rate: 60%
- Early round: EA — ~65% vs ~55% RD (estimated)
- Class size: ~5,300
- Yield: 18%
Academics
- SAT middle 50%: 1340-1500
- ACT middle 50%: 30-33
- Avg unweighted GPA: 3.99
- Top 10% of HS class: ~45% (estimated)
- Testing policy: Test-optional
Demographics
- Women: 53%, Asian: 12%, Black: 5%, Hispanic: 8%, White: 58%, International: 3%
Financial Aid / Net Cost
| Income Bracket |
Net Price |
| $0-$30,000 |
$13,137 |
| $30,001-$48,000 |
$14,474 |
| $48,001-$75,000 |
$18,104 |
| $75,001-$110,000 |
$24,051 |
| Over $110,000 |
$28,777 |
Athletics
775 varsity athletes (~3.2% of undergrads). NCAA Division I, Mid-American Conference (joined 2025; previously Atlantic 10 / independent FBS football). 21 varsity sports.
Notable
UMass Amherst is the flagship of the UMass system and the largest public university in New England (~24,000 undergrads). As acceptance rates have dropped into the low 60s, it is becoming more competitive than a traditional "safety" but remains accessible for strong students. The Commonwealth Honors College provides an honors experience within a large research university. Strong value proposition for Massachusetts residents.
Admissions Strategy
- Rising selectivity is the story: Acceptance rate dropped into the low 60s, and academic profiles keep climbing (average GPA 3.99, SAT 1340-1500). Forum consensus: UMass is no longer a "safety" for strong students — it's a solid match.
- EA recommended: Estimated EA rate ~65% vs ~55% RD. Applying early improves odds modestly.
- Commonwealth Honors College is the prestige play: ~640 first-year seats, average SAT 1432, GPA 4.42. No separate application — students are auto-reviewed and notified with admission. Honors has its own residential community and enriched curriculum.
- 66% of incoming students are from Massachusetts — strong in-state majority, though OOS applications are growing.
Campus Culture & Fit
- Largest public university in New England (~24K undergrads). Students describe a vibrant, active campus with Division I athletics and strong school spirit.
- Dining is consistently rated among the best in the nation — a genuinely notable feature that students love.
- Social scene is energetic with many clubs and organizations, though some students note the need to be proactive in finding community at a large school.
- Housing can be a concern due to high enrollment and occasional overcrowding.
- Five College Consortium (Amherst, Smith, Mt. Holyoke, Hampshire) adds academic breadth.
Financial Aid Reputation
- Solid value for Massachusetts residents. OOS costs ($28,777 net for >$110K) are standard for a New England flagship.
- Net cost for low-income in-state students ($13,137 for <$30K) is moderate — not as generous as some Midwestern or Southern flagships.
- Commonwealth Honors College membership unlocks additional scholarship and research funding opportunities.
Simulation-Relevant Takeaways
- Model as mid-selectivity (60%) trending more competitive. Not a true safety anymore for strong applicants.
- Low yield (18%) reflects its role as a fallback for students also applying to more selective New England schools (BC, BU, Northeastern, UConn).
- In-state majority (66% MA residents) creates de facto in-state preference in enrollment outcomes.
Sources
- UMass Amherst Admissions Statistics page (umass.edu/admissions)
- UMass UAIR Common Data Set page
- College Factual net price data
- CollegeTuitionCompare.com
- UMass news articles on Class of 2029
- College Confidential: UMass Honors College thread
- Niche.com UMass Amherst student reviews