The expensive private school in Boston versus the affordable public flagship in Western Mass. One costs $70k/year. The other costs $16k for in-state students. Is the BU premium worth it? Let's find out.
TALE OF THE TAPE
Head-to-head by the numbers
Mid-50% range
MA residents only
Both are large
UMass has space
Category Battles
Vote on who wins each category. Click a side to cast your vote.
Value for Money
Academic Quality
Campus Experience
Social Scene
Athletics & Spirit
Career Outcomes
Location
Independence & Growth
Unfiltered opinions. Handle with care.
UMass is where Massachusetts kids go when they didn't get in anywhere better but want to tell themselves they made a 'value choice.'
For in-state students who got into Honors College, UMass is genuinely a smart financial decision. The math works.
The ZooMass reputation isn't totally unearned. Southwest dorms on a weekend are... an experience.
BU graduates earn significantly more on average. At some point, the $200k extra in loans pays for itself.
UMass' computer science and engineering programs are legitimately strong. Tech companies recruit there.
Amherst is 90 minutes from Boston. For internships, you're basically interviewing via Zoom while your BU competition is there in person.
If you're a Massachusetts resident choosing between $65k/year and $16k/year, the decision deserves serious thought. Debt is real.
THE VERDICT
This rivalry is about money and ambition. If you're a Massachusetts resident and cost is a major factor, UMass Honors College offers real value. If you want the urban experience, stronger career outcomes, and the BU brand, the premium might be worth it.
Choose BU if...
- Career outcomes and starting salary matter most
- You want to live in Boston during college
- Smaller classes and more professor attention are priorities
- You're targeting competitive industries that value prestige
Choose UMass if...
- You're a Massachusetts resident and cost is critical
- You got into the Honors College
- You want a traditional big-campus college experience
- You're confident you can seek out opportunities proactively
BU is an investment. UMass is a value play. Know which game you're playing.
— The Rivalry Zone
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