The character of a UMass Amherst Engineering Undergraduate Education goes beyond just coursework.
Distinctive Experiential Learning Opportunities
Take part in learning experiences both in and beyond the curriculum. Pursue your interests, connect them to your studies and improve your marketability. Distinctive opportunities include study abroad, undergraduate research, entrepreneurship competitions, engineering living and learning communities, student societies, community service, maker spaces, Commonwealth Honors College, the iCons program, and more. Learn more about the Engineering Experiential Learning Center a support service specifically for engineering students.
High Achieving Peers
Engineering students have among the highest average GPAs and SAT scores on campus. Take pride in the tough courses, the workload, and the breadth of knowledge and creativity (yes, creativity!) that distinguish a major in engineering. Surround yourself with high achieving and motivated classmates in a close-knit college where peer collaboration and bold, unconventional ideas and innovation are encouraged. Our student body consists of diverse individuals, each bringing a unique perspective based on personal backgrounds and life experiences. Our community recognizes that diversity fuels the development of creative and enduring solutions to the world's challenges, and we value the contributions and talents of every individual, regardless of visible or invisible differences.
Engaged Learning
In the UMass Amherst College of Engineering, engaged learning is a priority. We encourage students to connect and transfer engineering skills learned in the classroom to real-world challenges. Our faculty use innovative instructional techniques, such as team-based learning, flipped classrooms and mastery learning. Even thermodynamics becomes engaging. Over the past decade, $1.4 billion in new construction and renovations have occurred on campus that benefit our students, including the new Integrative Learning Center, which provides state-of-the-art classrooms, and the Life Science Laboratories, designed to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and applied research.
First-Rate Faculty
The UMass Amherst College of Engineering has 109 faculty members who have received prestigious awards, honors, and grants from the nation’s most respected government agencies and professional societies, such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. They include membership in the National Academy of Engineering, National Science Foundation Career or Presidential Young Investigator awards, and fellowships in academic associations. Teaching and research focus areas include biomedicine, sustainable energy, cyber security, mechatronics, and biomechanics - which all have strong, positive societal benefits that appeal to a new generation of engineers. In addition to being renowned in their fields, our faculty are committed to providing an exceptional education to our students.
Career Development and Preparation
Our grads find jobs! UMass Amherst engineering degrees are highly regarded by industry recruiters, including such attractive employers as Google, ExxonMobil, Raytheon, Apple, NASA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, General Electric and Lockheed Martin. Our graduates have excelled in an intellectually challenging environment. They are valued team members, innovative problem solvers, socially aware and responsible. The College of Engineering offers career planning assistance, access to co-ops and internships, resume reviews, interview preparation, and invitations to on-campus recruiting events hosted by companies that employ engineers. Within six months, 80% of each graduating class finds engineering jobs, or goes to graduate school. This is a conservative number, as it counts those who did not report as still looking. Learn more about our Engineering Career Development Center.
Excellent Education at the Right Price
The UMass Amherst College of Engineering is the highest-ranked public engineering program in New England by U.S. News & World Report. We provide the opportunity to attend a nationally competitive research and teaching institution at an affordable price. Over 57% of our engineering undergrads receive financial aid. In addition, the College of Engineering awards over $400,000 in scholarships to sophomore, junior, and senior engineering undergraduates. The average award is $1,500. Use the Net Price Calculator as an early indication/estimate of your cost of attendance.
Money magazine ranks UMass Amherst among the nation’s “Best Bang for the Buck” colleges. How do we compare in ranking and cost to nearby peer institutions? Below are the engineering rankings and stats from U.S. News and World Report.
| School/College/University |
Public or Private |
Undergraduate Rankings 2017 |
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
Boston University |
Private |
53 (tie) |
$50,240 |
Northeastern University |
Private |
53 (tie) |
$47,655 |
Tufts |
Private |
58 (tie) |
$52,430 |
UMass Amherst |
Public |
63 (tie) |
$14,596 in-state |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute |
Private |
63 (tie) |
$46,944 |
UMass Lowell |
Public |
116 |
$13,427 in-state |
Vibrant Community
You may arrive with a clear sense of direction, or perhaps you intend to explore? You may be excited or anxious to start your journey in higher education. No matter where you start, here in the hills of Western Massachusetts, you will find a vibrant learning environment where diverse people, ideas, and perspectives are valued. At UMass Amherst, our students are immersed in a wealth of educational, social and personal development opportunities. If connecting with nature nourishes your soul, then you will enjoy the local rail trail, hiking paths, lakes and farmland. We are an easy day trip to NYC and Boston, for those who like the excitement of the city. Are you a foodie? If so, you’ll love our award-winning dining program. Learn more Points of Pride about UMass Amherst.
