Rutgers NB vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Rutgers University-New Brunswick and UMass Amherst?

  Rutgers-New Brunswick, located in New Jersey, is known for its proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia, offering diverse internship and career opportunities. It's a large, comprehensive research university with a strong emphasis on professional programs. UMass Amherst, situated in a classic college town in Massachusetts, provides a more traditional campus environment. It's also a major research university, but often perceived as having a stronger focus on undergraduate education and a more tight-knit community feel.

• Which university is larger, Rutgers-New Brunswick or UMass Amherst?

  Rutgers-New Brunswick is significantly larger than UMass Amherst. Rutgers has a larger student body overall, including both undergraduate and graduate students. This larger size can translate to a wider range of academic programs and resources, but also potentially larger class sizes in some introductory courses.

• How do the locations of Rutgers-New Brunswick and UMass Amherst differ?

  Rutgers-New Brunswick is located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, offering easy access to New York City and Philadelphia. This provides students with numerous cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities. UMass Amherst is situated in Amherst, Massachusetts, a quintessential college town surrounded by natural beauty. While more secluded, Amherst offers a strong sense of community and a focus on campus life.

• Which university is considered more prestigious?

  Both Rutgers-New Brunswick and UMass Amherst are highly regarded public universities. Generally, Rutgers is often perceived as slightly more prestigious overall, particularly in certain professional fields due to its location and established reputation. However, UMass Amherst has been rapidly rising in rankings and is highly respected, especially in specific areas like computer science and engineering.

• How do the costs of attending Rutgers-New Brunswick and UMass Amherst compare?

  The cost of attendance can vary depending on residency status. Generally, for in-state students, UMass Amherst may be slightly less expensive than Rutgers-New Brunswick. However, for out-of-state students, the costs are often comparable. It's crucial to check the most recent tuition and fees on each university's website and factor in living expenses, which can vary depending on lifestyle and location.

• What academic programs are particularly strong at Rutgers-New Brunswick?

  Rutgers-New Brunswick excels in a wide range of fields, including business, engineering, pharmacy, communication, and public policy. Its proximity to major industries provides excellent internship and career opportunities for students in these fields.

• What academic programs are particularly strong at UMass Amherst?

  UMass Amherst is known for its strong programs in computer science, engineering (especially chemical and mechanical), nursing, business, and the natural sciences. It also has a growing reputation in areas like sustainable development and renewable energy.

• How does campus life differ between Rutgers-New Brunswick and UMass Amherst?

  Rutgers-New Brunswick, being a larger university, offers a more diverse and decentralized campus life. There are numerous student organizations, events, and activities spread across its multiple campuses. UMass Amherst has a more centralized campus feel, fostering a stronger sense of community. Its campus life is vibrant, with a focus on student involvement and school spirit.

• What are the admission requirements like for Rutgers-New Brunswick and UMass Amherst?

  Both Rutgers-New Brunswick and UMass Amherst have selective admission processes. They consider factors such as GPA, standardized test scores (though many programs are test-optional), essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. Admission requirements are generally comparable, but it's essential to check the specific requirements for your intended major on each university's website.

• Which university is better for students interested in research opportunities?

  Both Rutgers-New Brunswick and UMass Amherst are major research universities with ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in research. Rutgers, with its larger size and broader range of programs, may offer a slightly wider variety of research areas. However, UMass Amherst provides strong research opportunities, particularly in its areas of academic strength, and often emphasizes undergraduate research involvement.

• How does the career services support compare between the two universities?

  Both universities offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, internship assistance, and job fairs. Rutgers-New Brunswick benefits from its location near major metropolitan areas, providing access to a wider range of potential employers. UMass Amherst has strong connections with companies in the New England region and beyond.

• What is the student culture like at each university?

  Rutgers-New Brunswick has a diverse student body reflecting the demographics of New Jersey and the surrounding region. The student culture is vibrant and multifaceted, with a strong emphasis on academics, extracurricular activities, and school spirit. UMass Amherst also has a diverse student body, though perhaps less so than Rutgers. The student culture is known for its strong sense of community, school pride, and a focus on social justice and environmental awareness.