University of Massachusetts Amherst

Overview

Acronyms: UMass Amherst

Founded: 1863

Control Type: Public

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #298

Rank in United States: #67

Motto: Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem

Colours: Maroon, white and black

Mascot: Sam the Minuteman

Founded in 1863, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Amherst (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Massachusetts.

Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) is a very large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 160-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

UMass Amherst also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

University of Massachusetts Amherst's address, phone, email, and social presence. Department-level scholarship enquiries route faster through the specific faculty rather than central admissions.

Academic Details

Institutional vitals for University of Massachusetts Amherst: how big, how staffed, and how recognised it is. Campus setting (urban, suburban, rural) interacts with these metrics in shaping the daily academic experience.

Academic Structures

Below is the academic-unit breakdown for University of Massachusetts Amherst. Inter-faculty credit transfer rules vary; check whether modules outside your home faculty count toward your degree before enrolling.

Programs Offered

University of Massachusetts Amherst's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.

How to apply to University of Massachusetts Amherst

Five steps that capture how most applications to University of Massachusetts Amherst flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.

1. 1
   Identify the right programme

   Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. University of Massachusetts Amherst offers 287 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

2. 2
   Check entry requirements

   Each programme at University of Massachusetts Amherst has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

3. 3
   Prepare your application documents

   Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

4. 4
   Submit via the institution

   Apply directly via University of Massachusetts Amherst's online portal at www.umass.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

5. 5
   Get in touch with admissions

   After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (413) 545 0111. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Massachusetts Amherst

Frequently asked questions about University of Massachusetts Amherst, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

The institutions topping the United States's rankings give national context for University of Massachusetts Amherst. Context matters because employer perception in the United States often correlates with national rankings.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Joint conference hosting among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) members brings academic communities together. Students at University of Massachusetts Amherst and the institutions below often share access to these network-level events.

Shippensburg University

Shippensburg · Public · Rank #21

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

Duke University

Durham · Private · Rank #48

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Universities geographically close to University of Massachusetts Amherst are listed below — useful if commute, campus visits, or regional culture factor into your shortlist. Many students compare nearby options before committing to a final choice.

Amherst College

Amherst · Private · Rank #3147

Daemen University

Amherst · Private · Est. 1947

Where Else to Study Liberal Arts

Practicum and placement requirements vary widely across Liberal Arts programmes in the United States. Compulsory placements affect total time commitment but typically improve post-graduation employment outcomes.

Adler University

Chicago · Private · Rank #32

University of Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #53

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill · Public · Rank #60

Northwestern University

Evanston · Private · Rank #63

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis · Public · Rank #70

Universities Often Compared with University of Massachusetts Amherst

Comparable institutions to University of Massachusetts Amherst — by academic scale and standing — are gathered below. Same-tier shortlists give you flexibility on admissions outcomes without compromising on institutional level.

University of Indianapolis

Indianapolis · Private · Rank #297

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington · Public · Rank #302

Colorado State University

Fort Collins · Public · Rank #304

University of South Florida

Tampa · Public · Rank #308

Lee University

Cleveland · Private · Rank #314