University of Minnesota Twin Cities vs University of Massachusetts - Amherst

University of Minnesota Twin Cities vs University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both University of Minnesota Twin Cities (UMN) and the University of Massachusetts – Amherst (UMass Amherst) are well-ranked U.S. public research universities, albeit with some difference in global ranking and strengths in subjects. According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, UMN is ranked 210th, while UMass Amherst is ranked 247th. Based on the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, UMN is in 87th place, and UMass Amherst is close behind at 84th position. The UMN is ranked 72nd by the U.S. News Global Rankings 2026, whereas UMass Amherst sits at 162nd. UMN is strongest in engineering, business, computer science, and health sciences, while UMass Amherst is strongest in engineering, computer science, business, and social sciences, with a further strength in research output and innovation.

General Information

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, established in 1851 in Minneapolis–St. Paul, is one of the biggest public research universities in the United States with more than 35,000 undergraduate students. It provides comprehensive educational programs in STEM, business, social sciences, and arts, and has strong research partnerships with the local industries.

UMass Amherst, founded in 1863 in Amherst, Massachusetts, is the UMass system's flagship campus. It enrolls more than 24,000 undergraduate students and is known for its comprehensive research programs, high-quality faculty, and dedication to a wide array of scholarly disciplines.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

UMN is 77% accepted, so it's moderately selective, with more selectivity in the more competitive majors like engineering, business, and computer science.

UMass Amherst is a bit more selective with an acceptance rate of 57.7%, indicating a more competitive process, especially for engineering, computer science, and business majors.

Research Impact & Facilities

UMN is an R1 research university, prominent for its research work in medicine, engineering, natural sciences, agriculture, and technology, and has several research centers and laboratories that aid regional as well as world-wide innovation.

UMass Amherst is also an R1 research institution, with robust research facilities in engineering, computer science, business, and the social sciences, and is well renowned for applied research and industry collaboration.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both institutions are public universities that charge lower tuition to in-state students. UMN's location in the city may have the effect of higher living expenses, while UMass Amherst has several merit-based and need-based scholarships available. Both universities offer domestic and international students financial aid programs.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UMN graduates have excellent career opportunities in STEM fields, business, healthcare, and research, especially in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, through a significant and impactful alumni base.

UMass Amherst graduates excel in engineering, business, technology, and social sciences, with good industry ties and an alumni base that fosters career advancement both domestically and globally.