Virginia Tech vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass)

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass-Amherst) are two highly regarded public research universities with distinct characteristics. Virginia Tech, located in Blacksburg, Virginia, boasts a lower acceptance rate (63%) compared to UMass-Amherst's 71%. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with Virginia Tech excelling in engineering, computer science, and agriculture, while UMass-Amherst is known for its strengths in social sciences, humanities, and life sciences. Virginia Tech's student body is slightly larger, with over 30,000 undergraduates, while UMass-Amherst has a more diverse student population, with a higher percentage of international students. In terms of graduation rates, Virginia Tech has a slightly higher four-year graduation rate (68%) compared to UMass-Amherst's 65%. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a

	University of Massachusetts-Amherst	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Overview
Location	Amherst, Massachusetts	Blacksburg, Virginia
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
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	91.0%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	65.5%	56.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $85 Graduate: $85	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1250 - 1460	1210 - 1410
ACT range	28 - 33	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	26.0%	83.0%
Students submitting ACT score	5.0%	35.0%
Total number of applicants	42,540	42,054
Total number of admissions given out	27,877	23,746
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,872	6,758
Yield rate	17.5%	28.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $32,434 Out of state: $52,959	In state: $30,104 Out of state: $49,787
Average net price	$17,291	$20,109
Tuition	In state: $15,791 Out of state: $36,316	In state: $11,750 Out of state: $30,829
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,611 Meal plan: $5,984	Room/dormitory: $5,890 Meal plan: $4,736
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	86.0% Average amount $10,662	58.0% Average amount $8,018
Students receiving federal student loan	39.0% Average amount $5,123	40.0% Average amount $5,316
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $15,924	9.0% Average amount $20,728

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	24,231 Men 48.8% Women 51.2%	29,760 Men 57.3% Women 42.7%
Graduate students	7,814 Men 47.9% Women 52.1%	7,519 Men 56.5% Women 43.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	39.5%
International students	11.1%	9.9%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	13,582	9,471
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 Connecticut California New Hampshire	Virginia Maryland New Jersey North Carolina Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Health Professions Multidisciplinary Studies Computer and Information Science	Engineering Business Family and Consumer Sciences Computer and Information Science Natural Resources and Conservation
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	83.7%	86.6%
Dropout rate	5.1%	12.3%
Transferred out	10.5%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,236 Year 2: $99,741 Year 3: $118,959 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $97,497 Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $105,578 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $79,216 Year 2: $78,232 Year 3: $95,030 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,683 Year 2: $75,518 Year 3: $94,055 Education, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $71,391 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $79,970 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,906 Year 2: $67,202 Year 3: $79,007 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,222 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $76,636 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,607 Year 2: $68,647 Year 3: $74,913 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,719 Year 2: $65,594 Year 3: $74,578 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,571 Year 2: $63,646 Year 3: $73,746	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,287 Year 2: $113,246 Year 3: $125,427 Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,383 Year 2: $96,691 Year 3: $106,931 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $82,448 Year 2: $88,678 Year 3: $96,747 Veterinary Medicine (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $76,172 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $93,580 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,104 Year 2: $78,488 Year 3: $90,164 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,370 Year 2: $75,518 Year 3: $87,658 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $81,573 Year 2: $91,211 Year 3: $84,990 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,460 Year 2: $73,635 Year 3: $83,712 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,805 Year 2: $73,272 Year 3: $82,738 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,610 Year 2: $70,680 Year 3: $81,822

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between Virginia Tech and UMass Amherst?

Virginia Tech is located in Blacksburg, Virginia, a more rural setting with a strong focus on campus life. The campus is known for its beautiful scenery and a close-knit community feel. UMass Amherst is situated in Amherst, Massachusetts, a college town with a more urban and diverse environment. It offers easier access to larger cities like Boston and New York City, providing more off-campus opportunities and a broader range of cultural experiences.
How do the academic programs at Virginia Tech and UMass Amherst compare?

Both universities offer a wide array of academic programs. Virginia Tech is particularly strong in engineering, architecture, and agriculture, boasting nationally recognized programs in these fields. UMass Amherst excels in areas like computer science, business, and the humanities. While both are comprehensive universities, your specific academic interests should guide your choice, as program strengths vary.
What is the cost of attendance at Virginia Tech versus UMass Amherst?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, can vary. Generally, UMass Amherst tends to be more affordable for in-state students due to its public university status. Out-of-state tuition at both institutions is comparable. It's crucial to check the most recent tuition and fee schedules on each university's website, as costs are subject to change.
How does the student life and campus culture differ between the two universities?

Virginia Tech is known for its strong sense of school spirit and a vibrant campus culture centered around athletics, particularly football. The university emphasizes traditions and a strong sense of community. UMass Amherst has a more diverse student body and a broader range of social activities, including a thriving arts scene and a more politically active student population. Both offer numerous clubs and organizations, but the overall atmosphere differs.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity levels of Virginia Tech and UMass Amherst?

Both universities are considered selective, but the specific admission requirements and acceptance rates can vary slightly. Both require standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), though test-optional policies may be in place. Virginia Tech generally has a slightly higher average GPA and test scores for admitted students. It's essential to review the most current admission requirements and application deadlines on each university's admissions website.
How do career services and internship opportunities compare at Virginia Tech and UMass Amherst?

Both universities provide robust career services to assist students with internships and job placement. Virginia Tech's strong engineering and technology programs often lead to internships and job opportunities in related fields, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region. UMass Amherst's location in Massachusetts and its connections to the Boston area provide access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities in various industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. Both universities have extensive alumni networks that support career development.
What are the housing options like at Virginia Tech and UMass Amherst?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments. Virginia Tech generally guarantees on-campus housing for first-year students. UMass Amherst also has a large number of on-campus housing options, and the availability can vary depending on the year and demand. Both universities also have off-campus housing options available in the surrounding areas.
How do the athletic programs and sports culture differ at Virginia Tech and UMass Amherst?

Virginia Tech is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and has a very strong athletic program, with a significant emphasis on football and other sports. The campus is highly engaged with its athletic teams. UMass Amherst competes in various conferences, including the Atlantic 10 Conference for basketball and Hockey East for ice hockey. While UMass Amherst has a strong athletic presence, the overall emphasis on athletics is generally less pronounced than at Virginia Tech.
What are the research opportunities like at Virginia Tech and UMass Amherst?

Both universities are research-intensive institutions, offering numerous research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Tech has a strong focus on engineering, technology, and agricultural research, with significant funding and resources dedicated to these areas. UMass Amherst has a broad range of research programs, including those in computer science, life sciences, and the humanities. The specific research opportunities available will depend on your chosen field of study.
Which university is a better fit for me, Virginia Tech or UMass Amherst?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and academic goals. If you're looking for a strong sense of community, a focus on engineering or agriculture, and a traditional college experience, Virginia Tech might be a good choice. If you prefer a more diverse environment, access to a larger city, and strong programs in computer science, business, or the humanities, UMass Amherst could be a better fit. Consider visiting both campuses, if possible, and researching the specific programs that interest you.

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