Academic Comparison between UMass Amherst and Harvard

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

  • UMass Amherst is a public and Harvard is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Harvard has more expensive tuition & fees ($61,676) than UMass Amherst ($40,449).
  • It is harder to admit to Harvard than UMass Amherst.
  • Harvard has a higher submitted SAT score (1,420) than UMass Amherst (1,420).
  • Harvard has higher submitted ACT score (32) than UMass Amherst (32).
  • UMass Amherst has more students with 31,726 students while Harvard has 30,259 students.
  • Harvard has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while UMass Amherst's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Harvard has more full-time faculties with 2,117 faculties while UMass Amherst has 1,458 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Massachusetts-Amherstvs.Harvard University
Amherst, MassachusettsLocationCambridge, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$17,772
Out-Of-State$40,449
2025 Tuition & Fees$61,676
73%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$13,764Average Amount of Financial Aid$59,539
59.73 %Acceptance Rates3.65 %
17.95 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)83.60 %
1,420SAT Score1,550
32ACT Score35
83 %Graduation Rate98 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
92 %Retention Rate98 %
31,726Student Population30,259
1,458Number of Faculties2,117
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 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
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