University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts · Public · 59.7% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 83/100 · Strong Value
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $17,772/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $40,449/yr |
| Average net price | $22,383/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $89,532 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $71,631 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $44,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,763 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $241 |
| Estimated payback period | 6.3 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 83.3% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 23,671 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,164 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,456 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,932 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,964 |
| $110,001+ | $30,793 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Massachusetts-Amherst with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $51,274 | D |
| Computer Science | $123,519 | B+ |
| Economics | $80,434 | C+ |
| Biology | $72,726 | C |
| Finance and Financial Management | $96,995 | B+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $92,623 | B+ |
| Mathematics | $83,338 | C+ |
| Communication and Media Studies | $60,891 | C |
| Public Health | $63,854 | C |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $63,383 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Massachusetts-Amherst is $17,772/year ($40,449/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $22,383/year, or roughly $89,532 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $10,164/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $30,793/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,763 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $241 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $71,631 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.52 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 80.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 83.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 78.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 83.0% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 59.7% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 660-770 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 650-730 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 30-33 |
| Enrollment | 23,671 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 19.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $14,663 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst (this school) | 83 | $22,383 | $71,631 |
| University of Connecticut | 85 | $25,097 | $73,997 |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | 84 | $18,267 | $68,227 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | 83 | $24,406 | $74,479 |
| Bridgewater State University | 59 | $16,383 | $57,466 |
| Fitchburg State University | 58 | $14,262 | $53,874 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of Massachusetts-Amherst delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $22,383 per year ($89,532 over four years), graduates earn a median of $71,631 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 6.3 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 83.3% graduation rate, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $22,763 against $71,631 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.