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University of Massachusetts-Amherst vs Wheaton College (Massachusetts)

University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a public university in Amherst, MA, and Wheaton College (Massachusetts) is a private college in Norton, MA. University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the more selective of the two, admitting about 60% of applicants against 68% at Wheaton College (Massachusetts). University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,383 a year against $29,822 at Wheaton College (Massachusetts). About 83% of students graduate at University of Massachusetts-Amherst, compared with 74% at Wheaton College (Massachusetts). Ten years after enrolling, University of Massachusetts-Amherst alumni earn a median of about $71,631, against $67,725 for Wheaton College (Massachusetts).

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University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA · Public

Wheaton College (Massachusetts)

Norton, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Amherst, MA
Norton, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
23,671
1,773
Acceptance rate
60%
68%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.6–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1500
1220–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
29–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,383
$29,822
Full cost / yr
$34,549
$79,311
In-state tuition
$17,772
$63,960
Out-of-state tuition
$40,449
$63,960
Application fee
$85
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,164
$20,076
$30k - $48k
$10,456
$21,528
$48k - $75k
$12,932
$28,299
$75k - $110k
$18,964
$28,639
Over $110k
$30,793
$33,956
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
74%
Freshman retention
92%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,347
$51,607
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,631
$67,725
Median debt at graduation
$22,763
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
22%
First-generation students
22%
15%
International students
8%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 5
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 15
Feb 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Wheaton College (Massachusetts) harder to get into?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is harder to get into. It admits about 60% of applicants, compared with 68% at Wheaton College (Massachusetts). Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Wheaton College (Massachusetts)?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,383 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,822 at Wheaton College (Massachusetts). Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Wheaton College (Massachusetts)?
Before aid, University of Massachusetts-Amherst costs about $34,549 a year and Wheaton College (Massachusetts) about $79,311. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Wheaton College (Massachusetts)?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,164 there, against about $20,076 at Wheaton College (Massachusetts). Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Wheaton College (Massachusetts)?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the larger of the two, with about 23,671 undergraduates against 1,773 at Wheaton College (Massachusetts).
Does University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Wheaton College (Massachusetts) have a better graduation rate?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 74% at Wheaton College (Massachusetts).
Do graduates of University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Wheaton College (Massachusetts) earn more?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,631 ten years after enrolling, against about $67,725 for Wheaton College (Massachusetts). Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Wheaton College (Massachusetts) require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wheaton College (Massachusetts) is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Wheaton College (Massachusetts) look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1500 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst and 1220–1390 at Wheaton College (Massachusetts). A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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