UMass Amherst's published cost of attendance is $33,389 per year for out-of-state students, including $39,293 in out-of-state tuition, $14,869 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. In-state students pay significantly less with tuition of $17,357.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $33,389 |
| Tuition and Fees | $39,293 |
| Room and Board | $14,869 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$9,698 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $23,691 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,103 |
| $30–48k | $13,259 |
| $48–75k | $16,738 |
| $75–110k | $24,016 |
| $110k+ | $31,297 |
UMass Amherst's published cost of attendance is $33,389 per year for out-of-state students, including $39,293 in out-of-state tuition, $14,869 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. In-state students pay significantly less with tuition of $17,357. However, the average student pays $23,691 after financial aid, representing savings of $9,698 from the sticker price.
This net price is higher than the peer median of $15,590, reflecting UMass Amherst's position as a more expensive option within its comparison group. The gap between published price and net price demonstrates meaningful financial aid distribution, though the university's aid targeting may not be as aggressive as some peer institutions. Students should expect net costs to vary significantly based on family income, with the university providing more substantial aid to lower-income families.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UMass Amherst graduates carry median debt of $22,763, comparable to the peer median of $20,000 and representing typical borrowing levels for four-year public institutions. Debt levels range from $11,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating variation in borrowing patterns across students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 is manageable, suggesting graduates can handle loan payments relative to their income levels. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $25,000 with monthly payments of approximately $329, representing additional family borrowing beyond student loans.
The total debt picture remains reasonable given the earnings outcomes, with most graduates maintaining debt levels that support financial stability. The 51st percentile debt ranking indicates typical borrowing levels nationally, neither exceptionally high nor low.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UMass Amherst delivers solid return on educational investment despite higher-than-peer costs, with graduates earning $11,088 more annually than peer institutions while carrying comparable debt levels. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 indicates sustainable borrowing relative to income potential, supporting long-term financial stability.
While earnings performance is around the national average relative to student demographics, the absolute earning levels of $71,631 justify the educational investment for most students. The combination of moderate debt and strong earnings creates favorable payoff scenarios for graduates across most programs.
Students should weigh the higher net prices against the university's strong graduation rates, diverse program offerings, and consistent earnings performance. The investment assessment favors UMass Amherst for students prioritizing earning potential and willing to accept moderate debt levels.
UMass Amherst enrolls 20.3% Pell-eligible students, somewhat below the national average for public institutions, indicating the student body skews toward middle and upper-middle-income families. The gap between the $33,389 sticker price and $23,691 average net price demonstrates financial aid effectiveness, though the university's aid distribution appears less aggressive than institutions with higher Pell shares.
Net prices by income suggest aid concentration toward families earning less than $75,000, with more limited assistance for middle-income families. The progressive pricing structure indicates the university prioritizes access for lower-income students while expecting higher contributions from families with greater financial capacity.
Students from families earning between $75,000-$110,000 should expect limited aid beyond federal programs, with net prices approaching $24,000. The financial aid profile reflects a public university balancing access with revenue generation, providing meaningful support to students most in need while maintaining pricing that supports institutional quality and resources.
