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University of Massachusetts-Amherst

181 Presidents Drive, Amherst, MA 1003, USA

University of Massachusetts-Amherst award
University of Massachusetts-Amherst award
US ranking
position: 47
Tuition & fees per year: $18,487
Acceptance rate: 58.00%
Median alumni salary: $51,780
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1355 SAT, 31 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Hard

What does University of Massachusetts-Amherst offer in terms of athletics?

University of Massachusetts-Amherst provides a broad range of athletic opportunities for students interested in sports and physical activities. The institution supports numerous varsity teams competing at the NCAA Division I level, including popular sports such as basketball, football, soccer, and baseball.

Students can participate in these athletics programs as members of well-established teams that face competitive opponents within their conferences and beyond. The university also offers various club and intramural sports for those seeking less formal participation, promoting fitness and camaraderie among the student body.

Facilities supporting athletics at UMass-Amherst are comprehensive, hosting practice fields, stadiums, and training centers that accommodate the needs of both athletes and spectators. These amenities contribute to a vibrant sports culture on campus, encouraging school spirit and community involvement.

Beyond competition, the athletic programs emphasize student development through teamwork, discipline, and leadership, making them attractive to prospective students seeking a well-rounded college experience with rich extracurricular options.

What student groups and Associations are available at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?

University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers a variety of student organizations catering to diverse interests. Among these are the Outing Club, which likely appeals to those interested in outdoor activities and adventures, and the Student Government Association, providing opportunities for leadership and campus governance involvement. The Asian American Student Association supports cultural engagement and community for Asian American students. Creative and social events appear to be organized through the University Programming Council, adding to campus life vibrancy. Additionally, the UMass Amherst Permaculture group focuses on sustainable and ecological practices.

Who studies at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?

University of Massachusetts-Amherst hosts a notably large and diverse student body. Freshmen enrollment is particularly high, with 5,286 first-year students-a figure placing the university among the top 5% nationally for freshman population. Transfer students also make up a significant portion, totaling 1,278, which ranks in the top 20%. Overall, the total student population reaches 6,564, reflecting a very high enrollment size.

Regarding student residency, the institution comprises a majority of in-state students at 67%, which is average compared to other universities. Out-of-state students represent 23%, also considered average but slightly lower in national percentile rankings. Domestic students from other U. S. states make up about 90%, ranking above average and within the top 40%. The university is notably international, with foreign students accounting for 9% of the population, ranking it within the top 20% nationally for global representation.

The student age distribution illustrates a traditional undergraduate majority concentrated among younger age groups. Undergraduates aged 18 to 21 dominate the campus demographics, with over 21,000 students combined in these age ranges. Older students are present but in smaller numbers, particularly those above 30 years old. Graduate students exhibit a broader age range, with sizeable numbers aged 22 to 49, and a notable presence of students over 50 years, highlighting opportunities for various stages of life and career advancement.

Ethnic diversity at University of Massachusetts-Amherst is also significant. The largest group is White students, totaling 13,527, placing the university well within the upper 5% nationally for this demographic. Asian students constitute 3,253 individuals, also ranking in the top 5%, while those identifying with two or more races number 1,123, ranking highly as well. Hispanic and African American students each represent solid proportions, with 2,162 and 1,076 students respectively, both considered average but in the upper tiers nationally. Smaller populations include Native American and Pacific Islander students, each around 14 individuals, reflecting a more modest presence. Additionally, 698 students' ethnicities are unreported but are recognized as a significantly high number in the top 10% nationally.

How does student life look like at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?

Student life at University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers a diverse and vibrant experience supported by a wide range of campus activities and services. The university boasts an extensive campus of 1,463 acres, providing ample space for academic, cultural, and recreational pursuits. Students can engage with various creative outlets, including campus drama productions, a campus band and chorus, as well as both campus radio and television stations.

The university also prioritizes student well-being through accessible services like a health clinic, psychological counseling, legal assistance, and a veterans' affairs office. Additionally, there is a dedicated women's center that supports gender-related initiatives and resources.

With a very high total enrollment exceeding 31,700 students and representation from 97 different countries, the campus community is ethnically and culturally diverse, fostering a global environment for student interaction. The student-to-faculty ratio stands at 17: 1, reflecting a setting where students can receive significant faculty attention while benefiting from a large institutional setting.

Moreover, University of Massachusetts-Amherst competes in NCAA athletics, which contributes to a spirited campus atmosphere and encourages student involvement in sports as spectators or participants. The combination of broad extracurricular options and comprehensive support services creates an engaging and supportive environment for students pursuing their academic and personal development.

What libraries are available to students at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?

The University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers its students access to two libraries, including the prominent W. E. B. Du Bois Library. This main library is supported by one additional library, positioning the university within the top half of institutions for the number of available library locations.

The university's collections are extensive, housing nearly 2 million books, placing it among the top 10% nationwide for book holdings. Students can also access over 55,000 subscriptions, which ranks well within the top 15% of comparable institutions, alongside more than 1.6 million ebooks, also in the top 15% bracket.

The digital resources include approximately 167,000 digital subscriptions and access to 642 databases, although the number of databases is considered average and falls below the 50th percentile nationally.

Students benefit from comprehensive physical and digital library facilities, with staffed services and established hours ensuring reliable support. Study rooms are available for group or individual work, and the libraries offer access to shared collections to broaden research opportunities. Weekly service hours total around 90, although the libraries do not provide all-day access.

University of Massachusetts-Amherst Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

31726

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

5375

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

1495 full time, 326 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

University of Massachusetts-Amherst Library Services and Resources

Main library name

W.E.B. Du Bois Library

Number of libraries on campus

2

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

University of Massachusetts-Amherst Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

University of Massachusetts-Amherst Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

University of Massachusetts-Amherst Location & Map