University of Massachusetts-Amherst, founded in 1863, is the flagship campus of the UMass system and a leading public research university ranked among the nation's best.
The 1,450-acre campus features the Life Sciences Laboratories, the Isenberg School of Management, and the Fine Arts Center. As an R1 research institution, UMass Amherst provides undergraduate research opportunities across all disciplines through its 'Research Next' initiative.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst Acceptance Rate
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of University of Massachusetts-Amherst is 57.77%. This means that 58 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
University of Massachusetts-Amherst Admission Requirements
UMass Amherst GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at UMass Amherst is 3.99. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.69 and 3.99, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
UMass Amherst GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Extreme selectivity; requires elite academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: High Course Rigor (AP/IB/Honors) to validate the grade.
Admissions at UMass Amherst utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.99, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.99 – 4.00 | Academic Target | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.79 – 3.98 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.59 – 3.78 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.58 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At UMass Amherst, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass Amherst) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst Average SAT Score: 1393
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Massachusetts-Amherst is 1393 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1393 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1480 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Massachusetts-Amherst allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1300, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to UMass Amherst. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 705 | 650 | 760 |
| SAT Reading | 685 | 650 | 720 |
| SAT Composite | 1393 | 1300 | 1480 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1300 then you are below most of the admitted students at UMass Amherst and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1480 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass Amherst) with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass Amherst) are good but the admission staff at UMass Amherst tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass Amherst) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at UMass Amherst is 31.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes University of Massachusetts-Amherst very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 31 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 29 | 27 | 31 |
| ACT English | 32 | 29 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 31 | 29 | 33 |
Can I get into University of Massachusetts-Amherst with a 33 ACT?
With a 33 ACT Score, your chances of admission at University of Massachusetts-Amherst are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 31.UMass Amherst Profile
Name: University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass Amherst)
Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
How much does a degree from UMass Amherst Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Massachusetts-Amherst is USD: 33389. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Massachusetts-Amherst is USD: 23691
How can I get a scholarship?
20.29% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 47.89 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UMass Amherst and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Massachusetts-Amherst, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UMass Amherst as your choice in the form.
How much a UMass Amherst Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 71631. An average UMass Amherst graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Massachusetts-Amherst. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | United States Air Force Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton College, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1345 | 29 |
| St. John's College | St. John's College, MD | 1381 | 31 |
| Emerson College | Emerson College, MA | 1359 | 32 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Massachusetts-Amherst. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado School of Mines, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Trinity College | Trinity College, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | American University, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| University of Florida | University of Florida, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, IN | 1389 | 32 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Massachusetts-Amherst. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Northeastern University Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Occidental College | Occidental College, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Colorado College | Colorado College, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| George Washington University | George Washington University, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA | 1447 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Animal Sciences
- Anthropology
- Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Architecture
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Massachusetts-Amherst Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $71631 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $33389 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of Massachusetts-Amherst is 57.77 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.99. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.69, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.69, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.69 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.59 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to University of Massachusetts-Amherst if my GPA is below 3.59
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.99, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to University of Massachusetts-Amherst is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1393 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1300-1480
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.