University of Massachusetts System (UMass System): Advantages, Tuition Fees & Admission Process
The USA is home to several university leagues and systems such as Ivy League, Public Ivy, Small Ivy, University of California system, California State University system, etc. One of the key advantages of studying in the USA is that these university systems collectively provide a more diverse range of campuses and study programs to choose from.
The University of Massachusetts system is one such group of university campuses that belong to the University of Massachusetts. In this blog, we will discuss the UMass system, along with detailed information on each campus, including tuition fees, popular courses, and more.
- What is the University of Massachusetts System?
- Advantages of Studying at UMass System
- List of University of Massachusetts System Campuses
- Eligibility Criteria to Study at the University of Massachusetts System
- Required Documents for UMass System
- UMass System Admission Process in 2025
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
What is the University of Massachusetts System?
- The University of Massachusetts system or UMass system is the public university system in the USA, comprising 4 comprehensive campuses of the University of Massachusetts, 1 medical college, and 1 law school.
- These campuses are located in the state of Massachusetts.
- Along with this, the UMass system also has 1 satellite campus (Springfield, Massachusetts) and 25 smaller campuses throughout California and New York states.
- As of 2023-24, these campuses collectively enrolled over 74,000 students from all over the world.
- The UMass system was established in 1863 with a vision to provide affordable and accessible education to the residents of Massachusetts. With time, the popularity of these universities reached all over the world.
Advantages of Studying at UMass System
Some of the benefits of studying at UMass for international students are discussed below.
High-Quality Education
- The academic programs at the University of Massachusetts are highly challenging, demanding students adapt to evolving conditions to solve real-world problems.
- This facilitates them inculcating the required knowledge and practical skills to leverage their full potential for the welfare of communities.
- Students get opportunities to engage in classroom activities such as group discussions, debates, project work, and even field visits, which are relevant to their program.
Research Opportunities to Solve Real-World Problems
- The UMass system is constantly engaged in offering solutions to real-world problems, such as addressing climate change, eradicating diseases, and developing innovative ideas.
- The University of Massachusetts system institutes have world-class tools, technologies, and cutting-edge infrastructure that meet the demands of research activities
Experienced and Qualified Faculty
- The faculty at UMass system institutes are renowned for their contributions to their respective fields of interest.
- They include Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, as well as members of the National Academy of Sciences, who bring fresh perspectives while delivering lectures and engaging students in various activities.
Largest Alumni Network
- UMass has approximately 6,30,000 alumni from all over the world. These alumni are engaged in a diverse range of activities, such as pursuing higher studies and working in a variety of fields.
- This facilitates students of UMass to network with them to find better opportunities in their careers.
List of University of Massachusetts System Campuses
Some of the benefits of studying at the State University of New York (SUNY) for international students are discussed below.
Availability of Wide Range of Academic Programs
- Below, we have tabulated the details of each UMass campus along with their QS World University Rankings 2025, average annual tuition fees, and popular courses.
- The average tuition fees might vary depending on the course level and degree programs.
| UMass Campus | Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | Popular Courses |
|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts, Amherst | USD 36,000-42,000 | Biological Sciences Finance Computer Science Mathematics Psychology |
| University of Massachusetts, Boston | USD 28,000-37,000 | Nursing Criminal Justice English Language & Literature Computer Sciences Business Administration |
| University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth | USD 26,000-32,000 | Business Management Engineering Social Sciences Computer Sciences & Information Technology Psychology |
| University of Massachusetts, Lowell | USD 48,000-56,000 | Business Management Marketing Law Computer Sciences Engineering |
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
UMass Amherst is the largest public research university in New England that offers top-ranked education, research opportunities, and diverse career scope to international students. It is also the largest university campus in the UMass system.
| Location | Amherst, Massachusetts |
| Acceptance Rate | 60% |
| Number of Students (2023) | 31,810 |
| Tuition Fees (Per Year) | Undergraduate: USD 42,082 Postgraduate: USD 36,728 |
University of Massachusetts, Boston
UMass Boston is the most diverse university campus in New England and the third most diverse in the USA. It is a popular university campus in Massachusetts that offers a variety of resources and training to international students.
| Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Acceptance Rate | 83% |
| Number of Students (2023) | 15,671 |
| Tuition Fees (Per Year) | Undergraduate: USD 37,495 Postgraduate: USD 29,060 |
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
UMass Dartmouth is one of the leading national-level public research universities in Massachusetts, providing a world-class opportunity to international students for innovation and discovery.
| Location | Dartmouth, Massachusetts |
| Acceptance Rate | 92% |
| Number of Students (2023) | 7,759 |
| Tuition Fees (Per Year) | Undergraduate: USD 32,567 Postgraduate: USD 26,084 |
University of Massachusetts, Lowell
UMass Lowell is also a national-level public research university committed to providing the required knowledge and skills for preparing a global workforce of brilliant scientists and innovators.
| Location | Lowell, Massachusetts |
| Acceptance Rate | 85% |
| Number of Students (2023) | 16,959 |
| Tuition Fees (Per Year) | Undergraduate: USD 56,048 Postgraduate: USD 48,902 |
Eligibility Criteria to Study at the University of Massachusetts System
- For international students, there are certain eligibility requirements to fulfill to pursue their higher education at UMass institutes.
- However, these eligibility criteria might vary depending on the university, course level, and academic program. Below, we have mentioned the general requirements for Indian students.
Academic Requirements
- For bachelor’s degree programs, Indian applicants must have at least 70-90% overall at the 10+2 level.
- For master’s degree programs, Indian applicants must have at least 70-85% overall at the bachelor’s level (3-4 years).
Standardised Tests
Some UMass institutes provide standardised test waiver options, but submitting SAT/ACT/GMAT/GRE scores can enhance the application.
| Standardised Tests | Minimum Score |
| SAT | 1500-1580 |
| ACT | 34-36 |
| GMAT | 700-720 |
| GRE | 330 |
English Language Test Scores
Some UMass institutes provide English language test waiver options, but submitting these scores can enhance the application.
| English Language Proficiency Test | Minimum Score |
| TOEFL | 100-110 |
| IELTS | 7.0-7.5 |
| PTE | 65-70 |
| Duolingo | 110-125 |
Extracurricular Activities
- Applicants are recommended to have profound achievements in extracurricular activities such as internships, volunteering, olympiads, club activities, etc.
- These extracurricular activities demonstrate the leadership qualities, communication skills, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities of the applicants.
Interview and Portfolio
Depending on the course, applicants might be required to appear in the application interview or submit a portfolio.
Required Documents for UMass System
- All previous academic transcripts
- 1 CV/Resume
- 1-2 Statements of Purpose
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- Standardised Test Scorecards (depending on course/study level)
- GMAT
- GRE
- TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo etc.
- ACT
- SAT
- Application Fee (depending on the university)
- WES Evaluation Report
- Work Experience Letter/Portfolio (if required)
- Certificate for Extracurricular Activities
- Passport
UMass System Admission Process in 2025
- International students can apply to various UMass institutes through the Common Application (for undergraduate programs) or the respective university’s website (for graduate programs).
- Begin preparing for the application process well in advance (at least 12-15 months before the commencement of admission dates). This involves
- Preparation and appearance in the standardised tests
- Arranging university application documents
- Preparing and arranging SOPs, LORs, CVs, work experience letters, WES evaluation reports, etc.
- Applying for a passport (in case you don’t have one)
- Craft a genuine and authentic essay or personal statement explaining why you are a good fit for the program and how you will contribute to the campus community.
- Choose recommenders who know you well and write specific and detailed recommendations.
- Research the university and program you are applying to, as it will help you answer interview questions more effectively.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
The University of Massachusetts is one of the public university systems in the USA, comprising 4 campuses, 1 medical college, and 1 law school. These UMass campuses are committed to providing affordable educational and research opportunities to the local and international communities.
This offers students an alternative to pursuing higher studies in the USA at a reasonable cost. Similar to other university systems, the UMass system boosts the local economy and culture by creating job and networking opportunities.
FAQs
What is the cost of study at UMass Boston?
The cost of study at UMass Boston is around USD 29,060-37,495 or INR 25 Lakhs-32 Lakhs per year, depending on the course level and academic programs.
What are the popular courses at the University of Massachusetts system?
Some of the popular courses at the University of Massachusetts system are business administration, computer science, education, psychology, biological sciences, English language and literature, law, and health sciences.
What GPA is required to enter into University of Massachusetts institutes?
International students are required to have at least 70-90% for undergraduate programs and 65-90% for master’s degree courses, depending on the specific UMass campus and academic program requirements.
What is the acceptance rate of UMass Amherst?
The average acceptance rate of UMass Amherst is 60%.
How to apply for UMass?
You can apply for UMass through the Common Application (for undergraduate programs) or the respective university’s website (for graduate programs).
