University of Massachusetts-Amherst vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a public university in Amherst, MA, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private institute in Worcester, MA. Both admit about 60% of applicants. University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,383 a year against $43,071 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. About 89% of students graduate at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, compared with 83% at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Ten years after enrolling, Worcester Polytechnic Institute alumni earn a median of about $103,470, against $71,631 for University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Amherst, MA
Worcester, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
23,671
5,447
Acceptance rate
60%
60%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.6–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1500
1300–1460
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
30–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,383
$43,071
Full cost / yr
$34,549
$78,679
In-state tuition
$17,772
$60,965
Out-of-state tuition
$40,449
$60,965
Application fee
$85
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,164
$24,018
$30k - $48k
$10,456
$24,452
$48k - $75k
$12,932
$32,350
$75k - $110k
$18,964
$37,753
Over $110k
$30,793
$49,716
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
89%
Freshman retention
92%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,347
$85,038
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,631
$103,470
Median debt at graduation
$22,763
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
12%
First-generation students
22%
13%
International students
8%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 5
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Feb 1
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.
- Is University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Worcester Polytechnic Institute harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 60% of applicants. 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,383 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $43,071 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
- Before aid, University of Massachusetts-Amherst costs about $34,549 a year and Worcester Polytechnic Institute about $78,679. 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,164 there, against about $24,018 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the larger of the two, with about 23,671 undergraduates against 5,447 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
- Does University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Worcester Polytechnic Institute have a better graduation rate?
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 83% at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
- Do graduates of University of Massachusetts-Amherst or Worcester Polytechnic Institute earn more?
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute alumni earn more on average: a median of about $103,470 ten years after enrolling, against about $71,631 for University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Worcester Polytechnic Institute require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Worcester Polytechnic Institute look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1500 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst and 1300–1460 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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