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Head to head · Massachusetts

University of Massachusetts-Amherst vs University of Massachusetts-Boston

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $75–110k and below, University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the cheaper of the two; from over $110k up, University of Massachusetts-Boston is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeUniversity of MassachusettsUniversity of MassachusettsDifference
Under $30k$10,164$14,070$3,906 · University of Massachusetts
$30–48k$10,456$13,558$3,102 · University of Massachusetts
$48–75k$12,932$15,663$2,731 · University of Massachusetts
$75–110k$18,964$20,885$1,921 · University of Massachusetts
Over $110k$30,793$25,571$5,222 · University of Massachusetts

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

University of Massachusetts-Amherst$79,933
University of Massachusetts-Boston$88,030
Difference over four years$8,097

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate60% · 84%
Average SAT1423 · 1194

Listed University of Massachusetts first, then University of Massachusetts. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$71,631 · $65,865
Graduate in four years75% · 33%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$22,763 · $21,974

Again University of Massachusetts first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

University of Massachusetts-Amherst — every income band · University of Massachusetts-Boston — every income band · All Massachusetts public colleges