Head-to-Head Comparison
Boston University vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Boston Wins
- 25
- Tied
- 17
- Massachusetts-Amherst Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Boston University achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $24,402 compared to University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Massachusetts-Amherst's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Boston
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $83,238 ten years after enrollment, 16% more than University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 11% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Massachusetts-Amherst
- Lower cost: Average net price of $22,383, roughly $2,019 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $22,763, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Boston graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (16% 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 Boston University over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Median earnings of $83,238 ten years after enrollment vs $71,631.
Pick University of Massachusetts-Amherst over Boston University. Net price $22,383 vs $24,402.
Pick Boston University over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. 89% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Boston University and University of Massachusetts-Amherst are close on paper, but Boston University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Boston University is the harder admit. It takes 11% of applicants, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst takes 60%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,480 to 1,423.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Boston University 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 $2,019 a year below Boston University's $24,402. Graduates of University of Massachusetts-Amherst also borrow less: median debt of $22,763, against $23,250.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $8,076 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, Boston University graduates report median earnings of $83,238, compared with $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. That is a 16% advantage. Set against borrowing, Boston University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.32x.
So what: An earnings gap of 16% 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
Boston University graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% 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 Boston University 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 $2,019 a year, yet Boston University graduates earn $11,607 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Boston University concentrates enrollment in Communications, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Boston holds onto its admits more tightly: 35% of admitted students enroll, versus 17% at Massachusetts-Amherst — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Boston 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. Test scores matter less at Massachusetts-Amherst, where only about 28% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Boston University
Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Boston University is a great fit for motivated students who are ready to engage with a vibrant urban campus. It's an appealing choice for those interested in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Communications, Biology & Biomedical, or Computer Science & IT. The school’s diverse offerings attract students who are eager to explore various disciplines and prepare for dynamic careers.
After graduation, students from Boston University can expect to earn an impressive average of $83,238 within a decade. This means graduates are stepping into solid financial footing relatively quickly, which is encouraging for those considering their return on investment. With a graduation rate of 89%, it shows that students not only enroll but also successfully complete their degrees, paving the way for upward mobility in their careers.
When it comes to the practical side of financing your education, the net price after aid stands at approximately $24,402, which is manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $23,250, a figure that many could navigate effectively post-graduation. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are ready to take advantage of Boston’s resources and connections, ultimately setting themselves up for successful futures.
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
Boston University and University of Massachusetts-Amherst appear together in 6 rankings. On the Best Communications Colleges in Massachusetts, Boston University ranks #1 — Boston University outranks University of Massachusetts-Amherst by 18 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 16% of Boston's student body and 17% of Massachusetts-Amherst's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Boston) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Massachusetts-Amherst).
The two schools feed different job markets. Boston University is strongest in Communications, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst concentrates in 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 Boston University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
Boston University is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 60% at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which is more affordable, Boston University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is more affordable, with an average net price of $22,383 after aid versus $24,402 at Boston University.
Do Boston University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn more?
Boston University graduates earn more: median earnings of $83,238 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which has a better graduation rate, Boston University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
Boston University has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 83%.
Should you choose Boston University 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 Boston University 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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