Academic Comparison between BC and UMass Amherst

Boston College and University of Massachusetts-Amherst are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. BC is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Chestnut Hill, MA and UMass Amherst is a four-year, public school located in Amherst, MA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • BC is a private (not-for-profit) and UMass Amherst is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • BC has more expensive tuition & fees ($70,702) than UMass Amherst ($40,449).
  • It is harder to admit to BC than UMass Amherst.
  • BC has a higher submitted SAT score (1,500) than UMass Amherst (1,420).
  • BC has higher submitted ACT score (34) than UMass Amherst (32).
  • UMass Amherst has more students with 31,726 students while BC has 15,432 students.
  • BC has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while UMass Amherst's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • UMass Amherst has more full-time faculties with 1,458 faculties while BC has 893 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Boston Collegevs.University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Chestnut Hill, MassachusettsLocationAmherst, Massachusetts
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$70,7022025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$17,772
Out-Of-State$40,449
45%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$50,287Average Amount of Financial Aid$13,764
16.43 %Acceptance Rates59.73 %
43.46 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.95 %
1,500SAT Score1,420
34ACT Score32
91 %Graduation Rate83 %
7 %Transfer-out Rate-
96 %Retention Rate92 %
15,432Student Population31,726
893Number of Faculties1,458
10 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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