What is the 2024 UMass Amherst Acceptance Rate?

Curious about the UMass Amherst acceptance rate? Discover key insights into admission trends, application requirements, and what it takes to join the UMass Amherst community.

UMass Amherst is one of the East Coast’s premier public universities. Despite the nationwide trend of declining acceptance rates among top-ranked institutions in 2022, UMass Amherst continues to welcome two-thirds of its applicants to its Amherst campus. While the overall acceptance rate at UMass remains relatively favorable, specific programs, such as Nursing, Business, Computer Science, and Engineering, are notably competitive. These highly-rated programs have contributed to UMass’s reputation, attracting students from across the globe.

UMass Amherst Acceptance Rate

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UMass Amherst Acceptance Rate

In the admissions cycle for the Class of 2025, UMass Amherst received 42,540 applications. Out of this pool, only 27,877, or 66%, secured a spot at the Amherst campus. This acceptance rate is consistent with the previous year’s rate of 65%. Interestingly, out-of-state applicants tend to have slightly higher acceptance rates compared to in-state applicants, a trend uncommon among public flagship universities.

UMass Amherst Early Action Acceptance Rate

Recent data indicates that applying during the Early Action round at UMass Amherst offers applicants an advantage. For the Class of 2024, 71% of Early Action applicants received acceptance, while only 59% of Regular Decision applicants achieved the same outcome.

UMass Amherst Admissions – SAT, GPA, and Class Rank

For the incoming Class of 2025, the mid-50% SAT range for enrolled freshmen was 1270-1450, with an ACT range of 28-33. Additionally, 53% of admitted students boasted a weighted GPA of 4.0 or higher. Among the first-year students enrolled in the 2021-2022 academic year, 30% ranked in the top 10% of their high school class, while 69% secured a place in the top 25%.

Admissions Data by College at UMass Amherst

The admissions standards vary across different colleges within UMass Amherst. Here’s a breakdown of acceptance rates and mean SAT scores for some notable programs:

College of Humanities

Acceptance Rate: 73%
Mean SAT: 1332

College of Information and Computer Sciences

Acceptance Rate: 47%
Mean SAT: 1465

Isenberg School of Management

Acceptance Rate: 59%
Mean SAT: 1316

College of Engineering

Acceptance Rate: 73%
Mean SAT: 1380

College of Nursing

Acceptance Rate: 21%
Mean SAT: 1417

These statistics highlight the varying competitiveness and academic rigor levels across different academic departments at UMass Amherst.

Admissions Trends & Notes at UMass Amherst

Here are some notable trends and statistics regarding admissions at UMass Amherst:

Residency Distribution: A significant portion, 77%, of the Class of 2025 comprises Massachusetts residents.
Out-of-State and International Students: 1,046 out-of-state domestic students and 390 international students are in the cohort.
Diversity: ALANA students (African-American, Latino, Asian, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and Native American) constitute 38% of the Class of 2025, highlighting the university’s commitment to diversity.
Application Increase: The number of applicants rose from approximately 40,300 to nearly 42,500, indicating a growing interest in UMass Amherst.
Test-Optional Policy: UMass was test-optional for the fall 2022 admissions cycle, and this policy will continue for the 2023 cycle as well, reflecting the university’s adaptability and commitment to equitable admissions practices.

UMass Amherst’s Approach to Applicant Evaluation

UMass Amherst adopts a holistic review process to evaluate applicants, emphasizing individualized consideration. Here’s an overview of their approach:

Key Factors: The university considers the rigor of high school coursework and GPA to be “very important” aspects. Other factors deemed “important” include class rank, first-generation status, essays, recommendations, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, and extracurricular activities.
Holistic Review: Admissions counselors delve deeply into each applicant’s academic context, recognizing the diversity of learning environments nationwide and globally. This ensures a nuanced evaluation of each application.
Beyond Academics: UMass values behaviors and attitudes indicative of a love for learning and intellectual curiosity. These qualities are essential for fostering a vibrant campus community and contribute to the university’s holistic assessment of applicants.

Demographics of UMass Amherst

Explore the diverse composition of the UMass Amherst undergraduate student body:

Top States of Origin:

Massachusetts
New York
New Jersey
California
Connecticut

States with Fewest Students:

Arkansas
Wyoming
Utah
North Dakota
South Dakota
Alaska

Top Countries for International Students:

China
India
Vietnam
South Korea
Pakistan

Ethnic Identity Breakdown:

White: 61%
Asian: 11%
Hispanic: 8%
African American: 5%
Two or More Races: 3%
International: 7%

Gender Distribution:

Men: 49%
Women: 51%

UMass Amherst’s Yield Rate

Discover the enrollment dynamics at UMass Amherst with a yield rate of 17%. This reflects the percentage of accepted students who chose to enroll, distinguishing it from other leading state universities like the University of Florida (47%), University of Michigan (45%), and UVA (43%).

Tips for Applying to UMass Amherst

Prepare your application for UMass Amherst with these insights:

Interviews are not part of the evaluation process.
Demonstrated interest is not considered.
Some selective majors may have specific application requirements.
Dedicate ample time to the two optional essays, which typically include prompts about your interest in attending UMass Amherst and your chosen majors.

Conclusion on UMass Amherst Acceptance Rate

UMass Amherst maintains its position as a highly regarded public university on the East Coast, offering diverse academic programs and opportunities. While its acceptance rate hovers around 66%, certain programs exhibit more competitive admission standards. Understanding the demographics, admissions criteria, and application process can aid prospective students in making informed decisions about pursuing higher education at UMass Amherst.