Head-to-Head Comparison
The University of Texas at Austin vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Texas Austin Wins
- 25
- Tied
- 16
- Massachusetts-Amherst Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, The University of Texas at Austin offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $19,857 vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383, The University of Texas at Austin delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, The University of Texas at Austin's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Texas Austin
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment, 5% more than University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Lower cost: Average net price of $19,857, roughly $2,526 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 27% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Massachusetts-Amherst
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Texas Austin graduates concentrate in Engineering (10% 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 The University of Texas at Austin over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment vs $71,631.
Pick The University of Texas at Austin over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Net price $19,857 vs $22,383.
Pick The University of Texas at Austin over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. 88% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
The University of Texas at Austin and University of Massachusetts-Amherst are close on paper, but The University of Texas at Austin wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
The University of Texas at Austin is the harder admit. It takes 27% of applicants, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst takes 60%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,395 to 1,423.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, The University of Texas at Austin 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, The University of Texas at Austin comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $19,857, about $2,526 a year below University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383. Graduates of The University of Texas at Austin also borrow less: median debt of $20,500, against $22,763.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $10,104 before any change in aid. Choosing The University of Texas at Austin leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, The University of Texas at Austin graduates report median earnings of $75,121, compared with $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. That is a 5% advantage. Set against borrowing, The University of Texas at Austin has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.27x to 0.32x.
So what: An earnings gap of 5% 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
The University of Texas at Austin graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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 The University of Texas at Austin to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. The University of Texas at Austin concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst leans toward Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: The University of Texas at Austin has less business program depth, and University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: The University of Texas at Austin's enrollment of 42,855 far exceeds University of Massachusetts-Amherst's 23,671.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $22,383 runs well above The University of Texas at Austin's $19,857.
- Engineering-focused students: The University of Texas at Austin has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Texas Austin holds onto its admits more tightly: 47% of admitted students enroll, versus 17% at Massachusetts-Amherst — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 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
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public
The University of Texas at Austin is home to over 42,000 students who are drawn to its strong programs in fields like Biology, Engineering, Business, Communications, and Computer Science. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it’s a competitive environment that suits those ready to engage deeply in their studies and campus life. The vibrant city of Austin enhances this experience, offering a unique blend of cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities that appeal to students looking for both academic and personal growth.
After graduation, students can expect solid earning potential, with a median salary of around $75,121 ten years post-degree. This financial outcome reflects the value of the education received here and the demand for graduates in the job market. The affordability factor is significant as well; even with a net price of $19,857, many students find support through financial aid, helping to ease the transition into the workforce.
When it comes to the practical aspects of attending UT Austin, students typically graduate with a median debt of $20,500. This manageable debt level, combined with the strong earning potential, makes the financial landscape here more accessible. Students who tend to thrive at UT Austin are those who embrace the challenges and opportunities of a large public university, taking advantage of the resources available while actively participating in the diverse and dynamic community.
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
The University of Texas at Austin is featured on the Best Communications Colleges in Texas ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Texas Austin's top program is Mechanical Engineering (10% of enrollment), while Massachusetts-Amherst leads with Business Administration (17%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Texas Austin) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Massachusetts-Amherst).
The two schools feed different job markets. The University of Texas at Austin is strongest in Engineering, Communications, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst concentrates in 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 The University of Texas at Austin or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
The University of Texas at Austin is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 60% at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which is more affordable, The University of Texas at Austin or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
The University of Texas at Austin is more affordable, with an average net price of $19,857 after aid versus $22,383 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Do The University of Texas at Austin or University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn more?
The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn more: median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which has a better graduation rate, The University of Texas at Austin or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
The University of Texas at Austin has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 83%.
Should you choose The University of Texas at Austin or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose The University of Texas at Austin if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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