Academic Comparison between VCU and UMass Amherst

Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Massachusetts-Amherst are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. VCU is located in Richmond, VA and UMass Amherst is 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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • UMass Amherst has more expensive tuition & fees ($40,449) than VCU ($39,884).
  • It is harder to admit to UMass Amherst than VCU.
  • UMass Amherst has a higher submitted SAT score (1,130) than VCU (1,130).
  • UMass Amherst has higher submitted ACT score (25) than VCU (25).
  • UMass Amherst has more students with 31,726 students while VCU has 28,464 students.
  • VCU has more full-time faculties with 2,149 faculties while UMass Amherst has 1,458 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Virginia Commonwealth Universityvs.University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Richmond, VirginiaLocationAmherst, Massachusetts
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$16,720
Out-Of-State$39,884
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$17,772
Out-Of-State$40,449
70%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$13,626Average Amount of Financial Aid$13,764
92.62 %Acceptance Rates59.73 %
21.59 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.95 %
1,130SAT Score1,420
25ACT Score32
63 %Graduation Rate83 %
21 %Transfer-out Rate-
85 %Retention Rate92 %
28,464Student Population31,726
2,149Number of Faculties1,458
17 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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