Academic Comparison between UMass Amherst and CU Boulder

University of Massachusetts-Amherst and University of Colorado Boulder are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. UMass Amherst is located in Amherst, MA and CU Boulder is located in Boulder, CO.

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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • CU Boulder has more expensive tuition & fees ($42,970) than UMass Amherst ($40,449).
  • It is harder to admit to UMass Amherst than CU Boulder.
  • UMass Amherst has a higher submitted SAT score (1,420) than CU Boulder (1,340).
  • UMass Amherst has higher submitted ACT score (32) than CU Boulder (31).
  • CU Boulder has more students with 38,799 students while UMass Amherst has 31,726 students.
  • UMass Amherst has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while CU Boulder's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • CU Boulder has more full-time faculties with 1,616 faculties while UMass Amherst has 1,458 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Massachusetts-Amherstvs.University of Colorado Boulder
Amherst, MassachusettsLocationBoulder, Colorado
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
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
In-State$15,214
Out-Of-State$42,970
73%% Receiving Financial Aid49%
$13,764Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,072
59.73 %Acceptance Rates78.08 %
17.95 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)14.15 %
1,420SAT Score1,340
32ACT Score31
83 %Graduation Rate74 %
-Transfer-out Rate16 %
92 %Retention Rate90 %
31,726Student Population38,799
1,458Number of Faculties1,616
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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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