UMass Amherst admits approximately 57.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 5 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places the university in the Moderately Selective category, making it more accessible than highly competitive institutions while maintaining meaningful admission standards. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates that UMass Amherst is more selective than typical four-year public institutions, requiring stronger academic credentials for admission. This level of selectivity means that students with solid academic records have reasonable admission prospects, though the university still maintains standards that screen for college readiness. Students should expect competition for admission, particularly for popular programs like Computer Science and Business, but the moderate selectivity suggests that well-prepared applicants face manageable admission odds. For students building college lists, UMass Amherst represents a strong middle-ground option between highly competitive flagship universities and more accessible regional institutions. The admission rate reflects the university's position as a respected public research institution that balances access with academic quality, making it an appropriate target school for students with above-average but not exceptional academic credentials.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at UMass Amherst typically demonstrate strong academic preparation, with SAT scores ranging from 1300-1480 (middle 50%) and a median of 1393. SAT Math scores range from 650-760, while SAT Verbal scores span 650-720, indicating balanced academic strengths. ACT scores for admitted students range from 29-33 with a median of 31. These test score ranges place UMass Amherst among institutions with high academic standards, significantly exceeding the peer median SAT of 1198 by 195 points. The P25 score of 1300 means that 25% of enrolled students scored at or below this level, while the P75 score of 1480 indicates that 25% scored at or above this threshold. Students scoring within the 1300-1480 range are academically competitive for admission and represent the typical admitted student profile. The 180-point spread between P25 and P75 demonstrates that the university admits students across a range of academic preparation levels while maintaining high standards. Students scoring below 1300 should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. Those scoring above 1480 can consider UMass Amherst a likely admission, though other factors including essays and extracurricular activities remain important. The university's test score profile reflects its position as a selective public research institution that attracts academically prepared students from Massachusetts and beyond.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
UMass Amherst enrolls 20.3% Pell-eligible students and 21.6% first-generation students, indicating the university serves students from diverse economic backgrounds alongside those from more privileged families. The transfer share of 20.1% demonstrates that the institution welcomes students from community colleges and other four-year institutions, providing pathways for students who may not have been admitted as freshmen. This student composition reflects a university that values both academic achievement and economic diversity, though the Pell share is somewhat lower than many public institutions. The first-generation share of 21.6% indicates meaningful representation of students whose parents did not complete college, suggesting the university successfully attracts students seeking upward mobility. Geographic diversity draws students primarily from Massachusetts and the broader Northeast region, though specific demographic breakdowns by state are not available in current data. The university's moderate selectivity combined with its diverse student body suggests admission decisions consider multiple factors beyond test scores and grades. Students from various backgrounds should recognize that UMass Amherst actively enrolls economically diverse populations while maintaining academic standards. First-generation students should know that more than one in five enrolled students share their background, indicating institutional familiarity with supporting students navigating college as the first in their families.
Given UMass Amherst's 57.8% acceptance rate and competitive academic profile, students with test scores below 1300 or those seeking additional options should consider these alternatives that deliver comparable outcomes.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
UMass Amherst demonstrates strong support for student success, with 91.0% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, well above the peer median retention rate of 83.7%. The six-year graduation rate of 83.2% significantly exceeds the peer median of 65.9%, indicating effective degree completion support. Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 64.4%, creating an 18.8 percentage point gap compared to the overall graduation rate. This gap suggests that while the university supports all students effectively, lower-income students face additional challenges in degree completion that merit attention. The retention rate above 90% indicates that most students who enroll find the academic environment manageable and engaging enough to continue their studies. The strong overall graduation rate demonstrates that UMass Amherst provides the academic support and resources necessary for degree completion once students are enrolled. However, prospective Pell-eligible students should be aware of the graduation rate gap and may want to investigate specific support services available for first-generation and lower-income students. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for degree completion, with the university's track record indicating that most enrolled students successfully earn their degrees. The combination of high retention and solid graduation rates suggests an academic environment that challenges students while providing necessary support systems for success.
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