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University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Emerson College are both public institutions — University of Massachusetts-Amherst in Amherst, MA and Emerson College in Boston, MA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Amherst, MA · Public
Acceptance rate: 59.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 23,671
Tuition: $40,449/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 83.3%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Amherst, MA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Biological sciences.
Boston, MA · Private
Acceptance rate: 51.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 3,870
Tuition: $57,056/year
Student-faculty ratio: 14.0:1
Graduation rate: 77.1%
Top programs: Visual and performing arts, Communication, English
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Boston, MA with published program strength in Visual and performing arts and Communication.
| Factor | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Emerson College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 59.7% | 51.3% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1310–1500 |
| 1270–1420 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 30–33 | 29–32 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 23,671 | 3,870 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $40,449/year | $57,056/year |
| Average net price after aid | $22,383 | $49,180 |
| Graduation rate | 83.3% | 77.1% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $71,631 | $62,832 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 17.0:1 | 14.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Amherst, MA | Boston, MA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Social sciences | Visual and performing arts, Communication, English |
Emerson College is more selective (51.3% vs 59.7% acceptance rate). University of Massachusetts-Amherst has a lower average net price after grant aid ($22,383 vs $49,180). University of Massachusetts-Amherst reports the higher graduation rate (83.3% vs 77.1%). University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the larger undergraduate campus (23,671 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Emerson College
University of Massachusetts-Amherst has an acceptance rate of 59.7%; Emerson College is around 51.3%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst tuition is $40,449/year. Emerson College is $57,056/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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