Head-to-Head Comparison
Babson College vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Babson Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 14
- Massachusetts-Amherst Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Babson College achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $40,514 compared to University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Massachusetts-Amherst benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $71,631 at ten years.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Babson
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, 73% more than University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 17% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Massachusetts-Amherst
- Lower cost: Average net price of $22,383, roughly $18,131 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Babson graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (100% of degrees); Massachusetts-Amherst in Business & Marketing (17%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Babson College over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment vs $71,631.
Pick University of Massachusetts-Amherst over Babson College. Net price $22,383 vs $40,514.
Pick Babson College over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. 93% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Babson College and University of Massachusetts-Amherst are close on paper, but Babson College wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Babson College is the harder admit. It takes 17% of applicants, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst takes 60%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,457 to 1,423.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Babson College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Massachusetts-Amherst comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $22,383, about $18,131 a year below Babson College's $40,514. Graduates of Babson College also borrow less: median debt of $20,000, against $22,763.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $72,524 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Massachusetts-Amherst leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Babson College graduates report median earnings of $123,938, compared with $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. That is a 73% advantage. Set against borrowing, Babson College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.32x.
So what: An earnings gap of 73% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Babson College graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 10% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Massachusetts-Amherst to keep costs and debt down; pick Babson College for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Massachusetts-Amherst saves about $18,131 a year, yet Babson College graduates earn $52,307 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $40,514 runs well above University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Massachusetts-Amherst's enrollment of 23,671 far exceeds Babson College's 2,728.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Babson holds onto its admits more tightly: 39% of admitted students enroll, versus 17% at Massachusetts-Amherst — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Babson offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Massachusetts-Amherst does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Babson College
Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 17%, Babson College is a strong fit for students who are serious about pursuing a career in business and marketing. The intimate campus environment, home to around 2,728 students, fosters collaboration and networking among peers. Here, you’ll dive deep into practical studies that prepare you for real-world challenges, focusing on business principles and marketing strategies.
When we look at life after graduation, the numbers are promising. Graduates from Babson earn an impressive average of $123,938 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure reflects the college's focus on preparing students for high-earning roles in the competitive business landscape. It's worth noting that while the median debt stands at $20,000, this is manageable for the financial trajectory many graduates experience.
Cost is a crucial factor in choosing a college, and Babson's net price after aid is $40,514. This amount may seem high, but when considering the strong earning potential and the career opportunities that arise from a Babson education, many find it to be a worthwhile investment. Students who thrive here tend to be ambitious, driven, and ready to take on challenges in the business world.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA · Public
With an enrollment of 23,671 students, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a great fit for those looking for a diverse and vibrant campus life. It stands out for its strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Engineering. Students here are often engaged in a wide range of studies, reflecting both academic rigor and practical application. The acceptance rate of 60% means that while it’s accessible, there’s still a competitive edge that can stimulate personal growth.
Graduates from UMass-Amherst can expect solid outcomes, with a median earning of $71,631 ten years after graduation. This figure speaks volumes about the potential return on investment. It’s encouraging to know that students can find rewarding careers, especially considering the affordability of education here. The net price after aid is $22,383, which positions the school as a reasonable choice for many families.
When it comes to finances, the median debt stands at $22,763, which is manageable given the earning potential. UMass-Amherst tends to attract students who are motivated and ready to embrace the opportunities that come with a public university experience. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, there’s a commitment to supporting diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Overall, this school nurtures those who are eager to thrive both academically and professionally after graduation.
Rankings They Appear On
Babson College is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 100% of Babson's student body and 17% of Massachusetts-Amherst's.
Babson
Massachusetts-Amherst
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Babson) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Massachusetts-Amherst).
The two schools feed different job markets. while University of Massachusetts-Amherst concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Babson College or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
Babson College is harder to get into, admitting 17% of applicants compared with 60% at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which is more affordable, Babson College or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is more affordable, with an average net price of $22,383 after aid versus $40,514 at Babson College.
Do Babson College or University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn more?
Babson College graduates earn more: median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which has a better graduation rate, Babson College or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
Babson College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 83%.
Should you choose Babson College or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Massachusetts-Amherst if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Babson College if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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