University at Buffalo (UB) vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass)
When it comes to choosing the right university, University at Buffalo (UB) and University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass-Amherst) stand out as two excellent options. Both offer a wide range of academic programs, vibrant campus life, and opportunities for personal growth. However, there are some key differences between the two institutions that prospective students should consider. UB boasts a slightly higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible choice for students with diverse academic backgrounds. UMass-Amherst, on the other hand, has a larger student body and offers a more extensive selection of undergraduate majors. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into the acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, graduation rates, and more. Explore the table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() University at Buffalo |
![]() University of Massachusetts-Amherst |
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Overview |
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Location | Buffalo, New York | Amherst, Massachusetts |
Campus setting | Suburb: Large | Suburb: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 83.0% | 91.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 70.1% | 65.5% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$75
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Undergraduate:
$85
Graduate:
$85
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SAT range | 1180 - 1360 | 1250 - 1460 |
ACT range | 25 - 31 | 28 - 33 |
Students submitting SAT score | 29.0% | 26.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 5.0% | 5.0% |
Total number of applicants | 30,750 | 42,540 |
Total number of admissions given out | 21,552 | 27,877 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 4,309 | 4,872 |
Yield rate | 20.0% | 17.5% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$30,240
Out of state:
$48,160
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In state:
$32,434
Out of state:
$52,959
|
Average net price | $17,954 | $17,291 |
Tuition |
In state:
$7,070
Out of state:
$24,990
|
In state:
$15,791
Out of state:
$36,316
|
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$8,952
Meal plan:
$6,500
|
Room/dormitory:
$7,611
Meal plan:
$5,984
|
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
71.0%
Average amount $8,810 |
86.0%
Average amount $10,662 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
45.0%
Average amount $5,071 |
39.0%
Average amount $5,123 |
Students taking out private loans |
8.0%
Average amount $13,892 |
7.0%
Average amount $15,924 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
21,467
Men 54.3% Women 45.7% |
24,231
Men 48.8% Women 51.2% |
Graduate students |
10,865
Men 47.5% Women 52.5% |
7,814
Men 47.9% Women 52.1% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | 3.2% | N/A |
International students | 18.3% | 11.1% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | Suburb: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 7,711 | 13,582 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Connecticut Florida | New York New Jersey Connecticut California New Hampshire |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 13:1 | 18:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education | New England Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 73.8% | 83.7% |
Dropout rate | 8.7% | 5.1% |
Transferred out | 16.4% | 10.5% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Doctoral Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
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