Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Massachusetts-Amherst vs Vanderbilt University
- Massachusetts-Amherst Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 19
- Vanderbilt Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Vanderbilt University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $15,846 vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383, Vanderbilt University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Vanderbilt University'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
Massachusetts-Amherst
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Vanderbilt
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $91,565 ten years after enrollment, 28% more than University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,846, roughly $6,537 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 6% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Massachusetts-Amherst graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (17% of degrees); Vanderbilt in Social Sciences (31%). 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 Vanderbilt University over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Median earnings of $91,565 ten years after enrollment vs $71,631.
Pick Vanderbilt University over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Net price $15,846 vs $22,383.
Pick Vanderbilt University 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
University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Vanderbilt University are close on paper, but Vanderbilt University 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
Vanderbilt University is the harder admit. It takes 6% of applicants, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst takes 60%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,423 to 1,549.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Vanderbilt 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, Vanderbilt University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,846, about $6,537 a year below University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383. Graduates of Vanderbilt University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $22,763.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $26,148 before any change in aid. Choosing Vanderbilt University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Vanderbilt University graduates report median earnings of $91,565, compared with $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. That is a 28% advantage. Set against borrowing, Vanderbilt University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.32x.
So what: An earnings gap of 28% 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
Vanderbilt University 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 Vanderbilt University 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 Massachusetts-Amherst concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Biology & Biomedical, while Vanderbilt University leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $22,383 runs well above Vanderbilt University's $15,846.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $22,763, against $14,000 at Vanderbilt University.
- Engineering-focused students: Vanderbilt University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Massachusetts-Amherst's enrollment of 23,671 far exceeds Vanderbilt University's 7,208.
- Business and consulting-track students: Vanderbilt University has less business program depth, and University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Vanderbilt holds onto its admits more tightly: 78% of admitted students enroll, versus 17% at Massachusetts-Amherst — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Vanderbilt 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
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.
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 6%, Vanderbilt University attracts motivated students who are ready to dive into rigorous programs. Located in Nashville, this school is particularly appealing to those interested in Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, and Psychology. The small enrollment of about 7,200 means students often benefit from smaller class sizes, fostering a close-knit academic community where collaboration thrives.
Looking ahead to life after graduation, Vanderbilt graduates can expect to earn a median salary of $91,565 within ten years. This impressive figure reflects the university's strong emphasis on career readiness and networking opportunities. While the data on mobility isn't available, the high graduation rate of 93% speaks to the support students receive, which can help them move into successful careers.
When it comes to the financial aspect, students can expect a net price of around $15,846 after aid, which is quite manageable given the potential earnings. With a median debt of $14,000, graduates usually leave with a reasonable financial burden. Students who thrive here are often those who are driven, engaged, and ready to leverage the university's resources to achieve their goals.
Rankings They Appear On
Vanderbilt University is featured on the Best Colleges in Tennessee ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Massachusetts-Amherst's top program is Business Administration (17% of enrollment), while Vanderbilt leads with Sociology (31%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Massachusetts-Amherst) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Vanderbilt).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Massachusetts-Amherst is strongest in Business & Marketing, while Vanderbilt University concentrates in Engineering. 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 Massachusetts-Amherst or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University is harder to get into, admitting 6% of applicants compared with 60% at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which is more affordable, University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,846 after aid versus $22,383 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Do University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Vanderbilt University graduates earn more?
Vanderbilt University graduates earn more: median earnings of $91,565 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 83%.
Should you choose University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Vanderbilt University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Vanderbilt University 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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