UVM vs UMass Amherst: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Vermont and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UVM vs UMass Amherst at a glance
UVM admits 65.3% of applicants and UMass Amherst 59.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $20,277 at UVM and $22,857 at UMass Amherst. Six-year graduation rates are 81.2% and 81.2%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UVM admits 65.3% of applicants and UMass Amherst 59.7%, so UMass Amherst is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $20,277 a year at UVM and $22,857 at UMass Amherst; UVM costs $2,580 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $11,915 at UVM and $10,294 at UMass Amherst.
- 81.2% of students graduate within six years at UVM, against 81.2% at UMass Amherst.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $68,368 for UVM and $80,486 for UMass Amherst; UMass Amherst is $12,118 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at UVM and $21,500 at UMass Amherst.
- UVM enrolls 11,743 students (small city) and UMass Amherst 23,671 (large suburb).
Side by side
UVM and UMass Amherst in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | UVM | UMass Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 65.3% | 59.7% |
| Applicants | 25,559 | 42,540 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1290–1440 | 1310–1500 |
| ACT middle 50% | 30–32 | 30–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $20,277 | $22,857 |
| Tuition, in state | $19,514 | $18,487 |
| Tuition, out of state | $47,554 | $41,759 |
| Cost of attendance | $36,569 | $36,842 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $11,915 | $10,294 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $12,762 | $10,343 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $14,146 | $12,020 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $19,946 | $17,769 |
| Over $110,000 | $28,966 | $33,795 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 81.2% | 81.2% |
| First-year retention | 89.2% | 91.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $68,368 | $80,486 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $21,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $244 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 11,743 | 23,671 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Burlington, VT | Amherst, MA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
UVM reports 71 bachelor's programs and UMass Amherst 73; 47 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about UVM vs UMass Amherst
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UVM or UMass Amherst?
UMass Amherst is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UVM admits 65.3% of applicants and UMass Amherst admits 59.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UVM 1290–1440; UMass Amherst 1310–1500.
Which is cheaper, UVM or UMass Amherst?
UVM has the lower average net price after grants: $20,277 a year at UVM against $22,857 at UMass Amherst. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $11,915 and $10,294. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UVM or UMass Amherst graduates earn more?
UMass Amherst graduates earn more at the median: $68,368 ten years after entry for UVM and $80,486 for UMass Amherst. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $21,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UVM or UMass Amherst?
UVM does: 81.2% of UVM students graduate within six years, against 81.2% at UMass Amherst.
How big are UVM and UMass Amherst?
UVM has 11,743 students in Burlington, VT and UMass Amherst has 23,671 students in Amherst, MA.