Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Maryland-College Park vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA
- Maryland-College Park Wins
- 29
- Tied
- 8
- Massachusetts-Amherst Wins
- 7
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Maryland-College Park offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $15,678 vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383, University of Maryland-College Park delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Maryland-College Park's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
44 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Maryland-College Park
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment, 16% more than University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,678, roughly $6,705 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 45% 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?
Maryland-College Park graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (25% 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 University of Maryland-College Park over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment vs $71,631.
Pick University of Maryland-College Park over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Net price $15,678 vs $22,383.
Pick University of Maryland-College Park 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
University of Maryland-College Park and University of Massachusetts-Amherst are close on paper, but University of Maryland-College Park 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
University of Maryland-College Park is the harder admit. It takes 45% of applicants, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst takes 60%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,473 to 1,423.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Maryland-College Park 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 Maryland-College Park comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,678, about $6,705 a year below University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383. Graduates of University of Maryland-College Park also borrow less: median debt of $19,000, against $22,763.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $26,820 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Maryland-College Park leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Maryland-College Park graduates report median earnings of $82,860, compared with $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. That is a 16% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Maryland-College Park has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x 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
University of Maryland-College Park 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 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 University of Maryland-College Park 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. University of Maryland-College Park concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Maryland-College Park competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $22,383 runs well above University of Maryland-College Park's $15,678.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $22,763, against $19,000 at University of Maryland-College Park.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Massachusetts-Amherst's enrollment, and University of Maryland-College Park is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Maryland-College Park holds onto its admits more tightly: 22% of admitted students enroll, versus 17% at Massachusetts-Amherst — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. 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) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
With nearly 31,000 students, the University of Maryland-College Park is a vibrant choice for those interested in fields like Computer Science and IT, Business and Marketing, and Engineering. The school’s acceptance rate is 45%, meaning it’s competitive but still accessible for many. What stands out here is the impressive 89% graduation rate, indicating that students who enroll are likely to see their academic journeys through to completion.
After graduation, students can expect solid earnings, with a 10-year post-degree salary averaging $82,860. This figure is particularly important when considering the long-term return on investment for education. The affordability of the school plays a big role in this, as the net price after aid is around $15,678. This allows for a manageable financial situation, especially when considering that only 19% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting that many students are coming from a range of economic backgrounds.
In terms of financial outlook, graduates leave with a median debt of $19,000, which is quite reasonable compared to potential earnings. This balance is crucial for those who want to thrive after college without being weighed down by excessive debt. Students who tend to succeed here are often those who take advantage of internships and career services, engaging actively with the community and resources available to them. Overall, Maryland-College Park supports students through a solid combination of academic rigor and financial feasibility.
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
University of Maryland-College Park is featured on the Best Bachelor's Programs in Maryland ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Maryland-College Park's top program is Computer Science (25% of enrollment), while Massachusetts-Amherst leads with Business Administration (17%).
Maryland-College Park
Massachusetts-Amherst
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Maryland-College Park) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Massachusetts-Amherst).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Maryland-College Park is strongest in Engineering, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst concentrates in Biology & Biomedical. 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 University of Maryland-College Park or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Maryland-College Park is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 60% at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which is more affordable, University of Maryland-College Park or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Maryland-College Park is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,678 after aid versus $22,383 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Do University of Maryland-College Park or University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn more?
University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Maryland-College Park or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Maryland-College Park has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 83%.
Should you choose University of Maryland-College Park or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Maryland-College Park 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Maryland-College Park and Massachusetts-Amherst stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
