University of Massachusetts Amherst: Rankings, Fees, Courses & Admissions

 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst comprises two main campuses: the Amherst flagship campus and the Mount Ida campus. Together, they serve a combined student body of nearly 32,000 enrolled across 110 undergrad and 127 graduate programs. 

Each campus supports UMass Amherst’s ranking as a top 26 public research university, providing strong academic, residential, and career-oriented infrastructure throughout the system.

Below is the breakdown of the education systems in the US at Amherst campus:

1. Amherst Campus

• The flagship Amherst campus spans 1,450 acres and is home to 31,700 students, as well as over 1,900 faculty members.
• Houses 12 schools and colleges, including 22 disciplines ranked in the Top 200 globally.
• Features 51 residence halls and apartments supporting over 14,000 on-campus students, with guaranteed housing for first-years.

2. Mount Ida Campus

• Serves as an extension of the Amherst flagship, offering undergraduate Veterinary Technology and graduate programs in Statistics, Business Analytics, and GIS.
• Positioned as a career-prep hub, it aligns UMass Amherst’s strengths in STEM with practical demands, even though student numbers aren’t independently published.
• Absorbed from Mount Ida College in April 2018, it functions as a key satellite instructional site for UMass Amherst.

Let’s explore the latest rankings for the University of Massachusetts Amherst for 2024/25.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst continues to strengthen its academic standing both domestically and globally. 

In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report, UMass Amherst is tied at #58 among National Universities. The MS in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the top program.

Here are the rankings for UMass Amherst:

Ranking Body	2023	2024	2025	2026
U.S. News & World Report	#58 (tied)	#58 (tied)	#58 (tied) National Universities #26 Public Universities	#58 (tied)
THE World University	NA	NA	#84	#84
QS World University	#275	#275	#275	#275

Subject-wise rankings can help you understand how your chosen program performs. Let's look into the details.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2025

The University of Massachusetts Amherst consistently earns national recognition for its academic excellence in key disciplines. 

According to Times Higher Education (THE) rankings by the U.S. News & World Report, its Psychology and Economics programs are ranked at #198. This reflects its strong focus on research, critical thinking, and practical learning. 

Here's how different programs perform in rankings:

Subject Name	Ranking Body	Ranking 2025
Psychology	Times Higher Education (THE)	#98
Economics	QS World University Rankings	#275
Computer Science	Times Higher Education (THE)	#48
Education Studies	Times Higher Education (THE)	#37
Engineering	Times Higher Education (THE)	#55
Life Sciences	Times Higher Education (THE)	#58
Physical Sciences	Times Higher Education (THE)	#72
Social Sciences	Times Higher Education (THE)	101–125

Let’s explore the admission process for the University of Massachusetts Amherst for the 2025 academic year.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a leading public research university, enrolling approximately 32,000 students from 50 U.S. states and over 100 countries. 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst has a 58% overall acceptance rate, with a 61.2% early acceptance rate. For first-year students, the application deadline is January 15, 2026. The application fee is USD 85 (INR 7.3K).

Now, let’s explore the admission requirements for the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Admission Requirements

For Fall 2026, undergraduate applicants can choose from Early Decision (binding, with a November 1 deadline), Early Action (non-binding, with deadlines of November 15 and December 1), or Regular Decision (with a February 15 deadline). 

Graduate admissions vary by program. Most programs require a completed application, official transcripts and standardized test scores. Application deadlines differ by program, such as November 30 for the M.S. program in Physics. 

Let’s explore the academic qualifications required for admission to the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Academic Qualification

The University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks students with a solid academic foundation and strong secondary school performance. While specific requirements vary by program, a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is generally recommended for competitive consideration.

Here are the academic qualifications required for UMass Amherst admissions:

Criteria	Details
High School Qualification	Completion of secondary school with strong academic performance
GPA	Recommended minimum GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (varies by program)
Bachelor's Degree (Grad)	Required for all graduate programs; must be from an accredited institution
Credential Evaluation	Required for international transcripts (e.g., WES, ECE, SpanTran)
Program-Specific Criteria	Additional qualifications (e.g., portfolio, resume, prerequisites) may apply.

Let’s explore the English language proficiency requirements for the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Language Proficiency

International applicants to the University of Massachusetts Amherst must demonstrate English proficiency through approved tests. 

Minimum scores include TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 105, and Pearson PTE 53, ensuring students are prepared for academic success in an English-speaking environment.

Here are the English language tests accepted at UMass Amherst:

Exam	Requirement
TOEFL iBT	A minimum score of 80; no subscore below 20. It accepts results from either the in-person version or the iBT Home Edition.
IELTS Academic	Minimum composite score of 6.5, with no subscore lower than 6.0.
Duolingo English Test	Minimum overall score of 105.
Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)	Minimum overall score of 53.
Cambridge English	B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency: Minimum combined score of 176 with no subscore lower than 169.

Note: UMass Amherst does not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores, IELTS Indicator, TOEFL ITP Plus for China, or TOEFL Essentials. All core reports must be no older than two years at the time of application and must be sent directly to the Graduate Admissions office from the testing service.

Let’s explore the competitive exams required for admission to the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Competitive Exams 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst follows a test-optional policy for undergraduate admissions, and for most graduate programs, standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT are also optional. International students must still meet the English proficiency requirements and arrange visa documentation after being admitted.

Here’s an overview of the competitive exam policy at UMass Amherst:

Criteria	Details
SAT/ACT (Undergraduate)	Test-optional for the subsequent three admissions cycles. Applicants are evaluated with or without scores.
GRE/GMAT (Graduate)	Most programs do not require GRE or GMAT scores; the requirement is optional or waived depending on the department.
Program-Specific Requirements	Some specialized programs (e.g., Economics, Finance) may recommend, but not mandate, GRE scores.

Let’s explore the visa requirements for studying at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Visa Requirements 

International students admitted to the University of Massachusetts Amherst are required to obtain an F-1 student visa. 

Key steps include securing a valid passport, completing proof of financial documentation to cover at least one academic year, and receiving a Form I-20 issued by the Office of Global Affairs, which is required for visa application and SEVIS fee payment.

Below are the U.S. student visa requirements for studying at UMass Amherst:

Document	Details
Financial Documents	Must demonstrate funds sufficient for 9 months (undergraduates) or 12 months (graduates) of tuition and living expenses. Acceptable forms include bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor affidavits.
Passport Copy	A valid bio page of a passport, with at least 6 months validity remaining beyond the program start date.
Form I‑20	Issued after admission acceptance and verification of funding. Required for F‑1 visa application and SEVIS I‑901 fee payment.
Bank Statements	Must be recent (within 3–6 months), in USD or converted, showing the account holder’s name and sufficient balance for first-year costs.
Visa Interview Documents	Include I‑20, valid passport, financial proofs, admission letter, and SEVIS fee receipt - optional documents: proof of ties to home country.
SEVIS Fee Receipt	Required proof of SEVIS I‑901 fee payment before the visa interview.

Let’s explore the application deadlines and intake seasons for the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers structured Fall and Spring intakes with clearly defined deadlines for different student categories. For Fall 2025, undergraduate Early Action applications are due November 5, with Regular Decision following on January 15, 2026. 

Here are the intakes in the U.S. and deadlines for UMass Amherst admissions:

Intake	Level of Study	Application Deadline
Fall 2025 (September)	First-Year Undergraduate (Early Action)	November 5, 2025
	First-Year Undergraduate (Regular Decision)	January 15, 2026
	Transfer Undergraduate (Fall)	Priority: March 1, 2025 (closed) Final: April 15, 2025 (closed)
	Graduate (General – Domestic & International)	Varies: e.g., Physics MS by Nov 30, Education MS by priority Dec 1, final Jan 2, 2026
Spring 2026 (January)	First-Year Undergraduate	October 15, 2025
	Transfer Undergraduate (Spring)	November 5, 2025
	Graduate (General)	Varies by program; e.g., Education Spring deadline: October 1, 2025

Let’s explore the diverse programs and courses offered by the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a wide range of academic programs across its flagship campus, with over 110 undergraduate majors and 127 graduate programs, including STEM-designated master’s, law, nursing, and interdisciplinary degrees. 

Distinguished for its strong career outcomes, the Isenberg School of Management offers accelerated 4+1 MS programs and STEM MBA tracks, with graduates averaging starting salaries of USD 75,000 (INR 6.41M) in MS Business Analytics and USD 67,000 (INR 5.72M) in MS Accounting.

Here are some popular programs offered at UMass Amherst:

• MS in Business Analytics (Isenberg, STEM): Prepares students for data-driven decision-making and includes accelerated 4+1 pathways. Graduates earn an average starting salary of USD 75,000 (INR 6.41M) and secure roles at companies like Oracle and Staples.
• MS in Accounting (Isenberg, STEM): Prepares students for accounting careers with a strong placement rate of 98% and an average starting salary of USD 67,000 (INR 5.72M). Graduates join firms such as PwC and EY.
• MBA (Isenberg, On-Campus and Online/Hybrid): AACSB-accredited with STEM-designated options, strong career support, and ranking among top programs nationally, featuring industry-respected foundations in finance, analytics, and public policy .
• MS in Computer Science (College of Natural Sciences & College of Engineering): Offers advanced coursework and research across AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering, preparing graduates for in-demand tech roles.
• MS in Nursing & INNOVATE Certificate: Includes the INNOVATE interdisciplinary certificate co-developed with engineering for innovation in clinical settings.
• BFA/BS Degrees with Research Focus: Popular undergraduate majors, such as Computer Science, Biology, Engineering, Nursing, and Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, offer hands-on research and internship opportunities, including credit-based professional paths.
• Accelerated and Dual-Degree Tracks: The Isenberg 4+1 Master’s in Business Analytics, Accounting, and Finance is offered to undergraduates in their senior year. FAST-TRACK Nursing for students holding prior bachelor’s degrees via the accelerated BSN program .

Let’s take a closer look at the program fees at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

The tuition rates for UMass Amherst's 2025–2026 academic year vary by level and residency status. 

Undergraduate international students are billed out-of-state rates of USD 20,436.50 (INR 1.75Cr), while graduate international students enrolled full-time (12+ credits per semester) pay USD 18,872 (INR 1.61Cr) per semester in programs such as Public Policy.

Here is a detailed breakdown of program fees for various graduate programs:

Base Course	Annual Tuition Fee (U.S. Students)	Annual Tuition Fee  (International Students)
MS in Business Analytics	USD 28,675 (INR 23.5L)	USD 28,675 (INR 23.5L)
MS in Accounting	USD 28,050–USD 38,250 (INR 23.2L–31.8L)	USD 28,050–USD 38,250 (INR 23.2L–31.8L)
MBA (Online)	USD 34,225–USD 36,075 (INR 28.3L–29.6L)	USD 34,225–USD 36,075 (INR 28.3L–29.6L)
MS in Finance	USD 42,000 (INR 34.5L)	USD 42,000 (INR 34.5L)
MS in Computer Science	Approximately USD 50,000–USD 55,000 (INR 41.3L–45.3L)	Roughly USD 50,000–USD 55,000 (INR 41.3L–45.3L)

Note: 

• Fees may vary depending on the specialization. Please check the official University website for the most up-to-date information.
• The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Now that you've explored popular courses and fees that make up the cost of studying in the US for Indian students let's examine the cost of studying at UMass Amherst.

The cost of studying at the University of Massachusetts Amherst varies by program and student residency status. The estimated total cost of attendance for in-state students is approximately USD 35,234 (INR 3.01Cr), while out-of-state students can expect to pay around USD 57,170 (INR 4.89Cr) annually.

Below are the estimated annual tuition fees for various programs at UMass Amherst:

Course	Annual Tuition (USD)	Annual Tuition (INR)
MS in Computer Science	USD 35,000	INR 29.8L
MS in Data Science	USD 35,000	INR 29.8L
MBA	USD 35,000	INR 29.8L
PhD in Clinical Psychology	USD 36,960	INR 31.8L
Accelerated BSN (Nursing)	USD 45,160	INR 38.9L
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)	USD 38,040	INR 32.7L
Physician Assistant Program	USD 123,530	INR 1.06Cr
Occupational Therapy, MS	USD 100,000	INR 86.1L
MS in Public Health	USD 35,000	INR 29.8L
MS in Mechanical Engineering	USD 35,000	INR 29.8L
MS in Electrical Engineering	USD 35,000	INR 29.8L
MS in Civil Engineering	USD 35,000	INR 29.8L

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

In addition to tuition costs, you will need to cover expenses such as accommodation and food. Now, let’s explore the cost of living in Amherst.

The estimated annual cost of living in the U.S. for students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst encompasses various expenses beyond tuition and fees. 

While specific figures for international students are not detailed, the overall cost of attendance and accommodation in the US for out-of-state students is approximately USD 57,170 (INR 4.89Cr).

Below are the estimated annual living costs for students at UMass Amherst:

Purpose	Annual Cost (USD)	Annual Cost (INR)
Housing	USD 16,128	INR 13.9L
Food	USD 8,700	INR 7.5L
Books and Supplies	USD 1,200	INR 1L
Personal Expenses	USD 1,040	INR 90K
Transportation	USD 400	INR 34K

Note: The INR conversions are approximate and based on the exchange rate at the time of writing.

Now, let’s explore the top scholarships available for the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2025.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a diverse array of scholarships to support both domestic and international students. Notably, the Flagship Award provides USD 6,000–USD 10,000 (INR  512K to 855K) annually to in-state students who are low-income and/or first-generation college attendees. 

The Honors-to-Honors Scholarship provides USD 6,000 (INR 512K) per year for two consecutive years to Massachusetts community colleges. The Freeman-ASIA and Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships offer up to USD 7,000 (INR 599K). 

Below is a breakdown of the internal and external scholarships for Indian students to study in the US, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Internal Scholarships

For students participating in study abroad programs, the Office of Global Affairs administers scholarships, including the Global Education Scholarship and the Global Education Merit Scholarship, which provide financial support based on need and academic performance, respectively.

Here are some free internal scholarships for international students to study in the USA.

Scholarship Name	Type of Scholarship	Details
Flagship Award	Academic Merit	Eligibility: First-year and transfer students with outstanding academic records; no separate application required.  Benefits: Awards ranging from USD 6,000 to USD 10,000 (INR  512K to 855K) per year.
Global Education Scholarship	Financial Need	Eligibility: Students with high financial need participating in study abroad programs; application deadlines vary by term.  Benefits: Awards starting at USD 500 (INR 42.7K) per semester; available for summer, winter, fall, spring.
Global Education Merit Scholarship	Academic Excellence	Eligibility: Students with a minimum 3.8 GPA participating in study abroad programs; application deadlines vary by term.  Benefits: Awards of USD 1,000 (INR 85.5K) per semester; available for fall, spring, and academic year programs.
Commonwealth Honors College Scholarships	Academic Excellence	Eligibility: Students enrolled in the Commonwealth Honors College; specific eligibility criteria vary by scholarship.  Benefits: Access to national and international scholarships; support from the Office of National Scholarship Advisement to develop competitive applications.
College of Humanities & Fine Arts Scholarships	Academic Achievement	Eligibility: Students enrolled in the College of Humanities & Fine Arts; specific eligibility criteria vary by scholarship.  Benefits: Awards ranging from USD 300 to USD 4,000 (INR 26K–342K) are made possible through the generous support of alumni and friends.

Let’s explore the top external scholarships available at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for 2025.

External Scholarships

UMass Amherst graduate students received over USD 1.7 million (INR 14.5Cr) in external grants and fellowships awarded by agencies such as the NSF, the Ford Foundation, and the Mellon/ACLS. 

Undergraduates also benefit from nationally competitive scholarships such as the Gates Millennium and ROTC awards, with AcademicWorks tracking well over 100 external award opportunities. 

Below is a breakdown of key external scholarships available to UMass Amherst students:

Scholarship Name	Type	Details
Beinecke Scholarship	Undergraduate & Graduate	Eligibility: Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences majors. Benefit: USD 4k (INR 342K) pre-grad + USD 30k (INR 25.6L) during grad school.
DAAD Scholarships & Grants	Undergraduate & Graduate	Eligibility: UGs and grads studying or researching in Germany. Benefit: Varies depending on the specific DAAD program.
Ford Foundation Fellowships	Graduate	Eligibility: Master’s & doctoral candidates, junior academics. Benefit: Master's USD 750 (INR 64K); Doctoral USD 2,500 (INR 214K); Junior academic USD 500 (INR 43K).
AERA Dissertation Grants	Doctoral	Eligibility: Advanced doctoral students analyzing data & writing dissertations. Benefit: USD 25,000 (INR 2.14L).
ATN Educator Grants	Graduate & Professional	Eligibility: Educators working to disrupt injustice in schools. Benefit: Varies by cohort.
CyberCorps: SFS	Undergraduate & Graduate (CICS)	Eligibility: CICS students graduating within 4 semesters. Benefit: UG stipend USD 27k (INR 23.07 L); Grad USD 37k (INR 31.62L) annually + service obligation.
Access to Data Science Scholars	Undergraduate (Transfer to CICS)	Eligibility: Community college transfers into CS or informatics. Benefit: Up to USD 10,000 (INR 85L) /year for two years.
NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award	Undergraduate (CICS)	Eligibility: NCWIT award winners who enroll in CS. Benefit: USD 1,000 (INR 85K) scholarship + eligibility for future awards.
Bay State Fellowships (CICS)	Graduate	Eligibility: Competitive CICS master's candidates. Benefit: Supports MS entry, full funding for select students.
Bay State Scholars/ MS Program	Undergraduate (CICS)	Eligibility: Strong CS undergraduates. Benefit: The Pathway to MS program includes funding and tuition incentives.

Let’s explore the placement opportunities at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

UMass Amherst supports excellent career outcomes: according to the Career Development & Professional Connections office, 87% of undergraduates report a field-related career outcome within six months of graduation. 

Let’s explore the jobs in the USA for Indian students. Below are key placement factors that highlight UMass Amherst’s success in launching meaningful careers:

• Undergraduate Career Outcomes: 87% have a job, further study, service, or military engagement within six months.
• Knowledge Rate: 75% for the Class of 2024 compared to a 57% national rate
• Employer Reach: Class of 2024 grads employed across 40 states and 20 countries.
• Number of Employers: 1,483 unique organizations recruited UMass undergrads in 2024.
• Top Industries: Healthcare (15.4%), Internet & Software (6.7%), Higher Education (4.4%), Retail & Accounting (3.8% each).
• Isenberg Master's Placements: 92% of master’s graduates meet their career goals within six months, with a median starting salary of USD 92K (INR 78.6L).
• Isenberg Undergraduate Employment: 96% of 2024 grads secured full-time positions within six months.
• Isenberg UG Average Salary: USD 68,914 (INR 58.9L) average starting salary for 2024 grads.
• Internship Engagement: 75% of Isenberg students complete two or more internships before graduation.
• Photo/Professional Prep: Isenberg offers 2,114 free headshots and 24/7 career resources.

Now, let's explore the top companies hiring graduates from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. 

Top recruiters

Massachusetts Amherst University’s Career Development & Professional Connections data shows 87% of undergraduates and 96% of Isenberg School of Management students secure jobs or pursue further education within six months of graduation. 

The university’s annual career fairs and alums network attract over 600 employers to recruit each year.

Here are the top recruiters consistently hiring UMass Amherst graduates based on official career counselling reports:

• Amazon: Recruits from computer science, engineering, and business programs for roles in software development and operations.
• Deloitte: Hires from Isenberg and economics programs for consulting and risk advisory roles.
• Raytheon Technologies: Engineering students participate in internships and full-time positions in aerospace and defense systems.
• Mass General Brigham: Major recruiter for public health, nursing, and life sciences graduates.
• Google: Partners with the College of Information & Computer Sciences for internships and graduate-level roles.
• PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers): Recruits finance, accounting, and analytics students for internships and entry-level roles.
• TJX Companies: One of the largest corporate recruiters on campus, hiring in merchandising, supply chain, and HR.
• Liberty Mutual Insurance: Offers internships and co-op positions for finance, actuarial science, and data analytics students.
• Bose Corporation: Engages with UMass for roles in electrical engineering, R&D, and design internships.
• Massachusetts State Government: Recruits students for civil service roles in policy, administration, and environmental planning.

Now, let's explore internship opportunities for students.

Internship & Co-op Opportunities

UMass Amherst provides extensive support for students pursuing practical experience through internships and cooperative education (co-op) programs. 

According to the UMass Amherst Career Development & Professional Connections office, over 80% of undergraduates complete at least one internship before graduation.

Here are key highlights of internship and co-op opportunities available at UMass Amherst:

• CareerConnect Portal: UMass’s own job and internship platform, connecting students to 3,500+ active employers annually.
• Isenberg School of Management Internships: 96% of Isenberg undergraduates secure internships in fields such as accounting, marketing, and finance.
• Engineering Co-op Program: Offers full-time paid positions for 6–8 months with companies like Raytheon, General Dynamics, and Tesla.
• Computer Science Experiential Learning: Students gain hands-on experience through semester-long roles with Amazon, Google, and HubSpot.
• Public Health Internships: Placements in hospitals, NGOs, and government offices across Massachusetts, coordinated via the School of Public Health.
• Summer Research Internships: Undergrads participate in faculty-led research projects via the UMass Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE).
• Handshake Platform: Over 5,000 internships and co-op listings are available each semester through the university's partnership with Handshake.
• Internship Credit Courses: Academic departments offer internship-for-credit options that count toward major requirements (e.g., COMM 498).
• On-Campus Employer Fairs: Over 10 career and internship fairs annually, drawing 600+ employers across various sectors.
• International Internship Options: Global programs are available through the UMass International Programs Office in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

With internship opportunities explored, let's now examine what UMass Amherst's campus has to offer students.

UMass Amherst offers a strong student experience, with over 24,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students actively involved in campus life. The University of Massachusetts Amherst consistently ranks among the top 30 public universities in terms of student satisfaction.

Here are some key aspects that define student life at UMass Amherst to study in USA from India:

• Clubs & Organizations: Over 300+ student-led groups in academics, culture, politics, and arts, including Model UN, Anime & Manga Club, and Engineers Without Borders.
• Campus Dining: Ranked #1 in the U.S. for campus food by The Princeton Review for 7 consecutive years (as of 2024).
• Residential Life: 52 residence halls across 6 campus neighborhoods, with Living-Learning Communities for shared interests.
• Health & Wellness: Recreation Center with 30,000 sq. ft. of fitness space, group classes, and mental health services through University Health Services (UHS)
• Diversity & Inclusion: Centers like the Stonewall Center and CMASS promote a sense of belonging, supporting first-generation, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC students.
• Performing Arts & Events: Home to the Fine Arts Center, theater performances, concerts, and student exhibitions throughout the academic year.
• Outdoor Recreation: The UMass Adventure Program offers trips for kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing, with access to on-campus ropes courses.
• Sustainability in Action: Named a "Green University" by the Sierra Club, with bike-sharing, composting, and green-certified dorms.

Now, let's identify some notable alumni from the University of Massachusetts Amherst who have made significant contributions to society.

UMass Amherst has a network of over 243,000 graduates worldwide and takes pride in its alums, who have reached the pinnacle of their professions and leadership, including Pulitzer, Grammy, and Olympic champions. 

These accomplished individuals represent the university’s tradition of excellence across arts, sciences, business, and public service.

Here’s a curated list of distinguished alums featuring their fields and key contributions:

Name	Field of Work	Contribution
Natalie Cole ’72	Music & Entertainment	Won 7 Grammys, sold over 30 M records; acclaimed for her album Unforgettable... with Love
Briana Scurry ’95	Sports	Legendary U.S. Women’s Soccer goalkeeper; 2× Olympic gold and 1999 FIFA World Cup champion
Natasha Trethewey ’95 MFA	Literature	Awarded Pulitzer Prize in Poetry (2007); served as U.S. Poet Laureate (2012–13)
Cady Coleman ’91	Science & Space	Chemist & USAF Colonel; completed 159 days in space across two Space Shuttle missions
Elaine Marieb ’69 PhD	Science Education	Authored Human Anatomy & Physiology, used in 2,400+ classrooms; namesake of UMass nursing college
Madeleine Kunin ’56	Politics & Diplomacy	First woman to serve three terms as Vermont Governor; former U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland
Deepak Chopra ’73 MS	Technology & Business	Founder/CEO of OSI Systems; led design of vital electronic systems in homeland security & aerospace
Marshall G. Jones ’74 PhD	Engineering & Innovation	Held 70 patents, inducted into NAE and Inventors Hall of Fame (2017); pioneered industrial laser welding
Barun Kar ’95 PhD	Entrepreneurship & Tech	Co‑founder of Palo Alto Networks & Auradine; led multi-billion-dollar tech ventures
Roberto Padovani ’85 PhD	Telecommunications	Former Qualcomm CTO and EVP; elected to the National Academy of Engineering; holds 80+ patents

Now that you've seen some prominent personalities from UMass Amherst let's examine how the institution performs in comparison to similar ones.

Choosing between UMass Amherst, Virginia Tech, and Michigan State University (MSU) depends on priorities like global rankings, tuition costs, course variety, and post-graduate outcomes. 

UMass Amherst and MSU are both ranked in the QS World Top 200, while Virginia Tech ranks around #389 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Each university enrolls over 25,000 students and offers more than 100 programs across undergraduate and graduate levels.

Below is a detailed comparison across key metrics

Parameters	UMass Amherst	Virginia Tech	Michigan State Univ. (MSU)
QS Ranking (2026)	#275	# 389 globally	#152; among U.S #32
Tuition Fees	UG: USD 41,759  (INR 35.7L)	UG: USD 1,275 (INR 1.09L)/sem	UG: USD 798 (INR 68K)/yr increase (4.5%)
	PG: USD 36,759 (INR 31.4L)	PG: see Graduate COA per year	PG: Similar pricing structure; resident vs non‑resident tiers apply
No. of Courses	UG: 110+ majors;	UG: 110+ undergraduate majors (per VT academic catalog)	UG: 800+ sustainability-related courses; broad curriculum across UG/PG
	PG: 120+ graduate programs	PG: Various master’s and PhD programs (per VT graduate catalog)	PG: Wide range of master's and doctoral programs, including a sustainability focus
Popular Courses	UG:  Computer Science Engineering Business	UG:  Engineering Architecture Business	UG:  Agriculture & Forestry Business
	PG:  Data Analytics Mechanical Engineering Education	PG:  Engineering leadership public policy	PG:  Marketing MSc Education & Training
Placement Rate	Undergrads with career outcomes: 87% Knowledge rate: 75%  Isenberg grads: 96% employed within 6 months	Pamplin UG: 92% placement.  Other grads: 89% placement in 2021	Not specified overall, but sustainability & business grads lead in employability MSU ranks in the top 8% in the US
Highest CTC	USD 75,000 (INR 64.1L) (typical STEM/business roles at top firms)	Pamplin median starts at USD 60,000 (INR 51.3L); some grads >USD 150,000 (INR 1.28Cr) in graduate fields	Not officially listed; top roles in agriculture and business command substantial salaries
Average CTC	Isenberg grads' average is within the range of USD 60–75k (INR 51.3 - 64.1L)	UG avg USD 60,000 (INR 51.3L); placement 92%	MS in Marketing grads average USD 51,000–26,100 (INR 43.6 - 22.3L)/yr, depending on residency
Lowest CTC	Entry-level roles typically start at USD 40K (INR 34.18L)  in liberal arts fields	Reported a low USD 43,000 (INR 36.75L) in the hospitality sector	Bachelor's in sustainable agriculture start at a traditional range of USD 40–50k (INR 34.18 - 42.73L)
Post‑study Work Visa	Offers CPT/OPT; typical U.S. STEM post-graduation visa benefits	Provides CPT/OPT; strong engineering visa support initiatives	Offers CPT/OPT; MSU supports international students via ISSO
Scholarships	Merit-based Chancellor’s, Commonwealth Honors, and graduate assistantships with full fee waivers	Financial aid plus VT scholarships; College-specific awards	Institutional, merit, MSU grants, and some residency-based scholarships

Note: The tuition fee is calculated as the average for top courses.

UMass Amherst combines academic excellence, global exposure, and industry-focused learning, making it a strong choice for students aiming to build impactful international careers.