University of Massachusetts - Amherst vs University of Massachusetts, Boston

University of Massachusetts - Amherst vs University of Massachusetts, Boston

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

UMass Amherst and UMass Boston are both under the UMass system but are drastically different in terms of reputation, ranking, and international recognition. While UMass Amherst appears at 247th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, UMass Boston is ranked much lower in the 951–1000 bracket. Based on the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, UMass Amherst stands at a solid position of 84th, while UMass Boston is unranked. In the U.S. News Global Rankings 2026, UMass Amherst ranks 162nd, while UMass Boston is not ranked. UMass Amherst is particularly well known for engineering, computer science, business, and social sciences, whereas UMass Boston is more highly regarded for liberal arts, social sciences, education, and urban policy, with a particular focus on fulfilling its community commitment to diversity.

General Information

UMass Amherst, founded in 1863 and situated in Amherst, Massachusetts, is the UMass system's flagship campus. It has more than 24,000 undergraduate students and is a top public research university with diverse academic and professional programs. It is highly regarded nationally for its research focus, rigorous STEM programs, and active campus culture.

UMass Boston, established in 1964 and situated in Boston, Massachusetts, is a public urban research university with approximately 12,000 undergraduates. Although smaller than Amherst, it is also important in offering affordable education to a highly diverse student population and is heavily advantaged by its location near Boston's professional, cultural, and economic centers.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

UMass Amherst is 57.7% accepted, being moderately selective overall but highly competitive in sought-after programs such as engineering, business, and computer science.

UMass Boston is even more open, with an acceptance rate of 83%, as it is also committed to offering opportunities to a wide student population including first-generation and non-traditional students.

Research Impact & Facilities

UMass Amherst is a flagship R1 research university, with intensive research activity in engineering, computer science, natural sciences, business, and social sciences. It houses state-of-the-art facilities, research institutes, and international collaborations that enhance its reputation.

UMass Boston, also a research university, is less research-focused and does not appear in top world research rankings. It has an emphasis on applied research, community work, and urban policy, capitalizing on its location in Boston to draw on government, nonprofit, and local industry partners.

Cost & Financial Aid

Since they are public universities, both Amherst and Boston have lower fees for in-state compared to out-of-state or foreign students. UMass Amherst generally charges more and has higher fees than UMass Boston, given its extensive research facilities, but both have need-based financial assistance, scholarships, and work-study programs to assist with expenses.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UMass Amherst graduates are well-employed, particularly in STEM, business, and professional areas, with excellent career services and a large alumni network. The global reputation of the university enables students to secure jobs both within the U.S. and internationally.

UMass Boston graduates have immediate access to the job market in Boston, especially in education, healthcare, government, and non-profit industries. Though it ranks lower globally, its location in an urban environment offers good hands-on opportunities and networking in one of the U.S.'s most active cities.