Rankings and Recognition at University of Massachusetts Amherst

Discover why the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) stands out as a top choice for Indian students aspiring to study in the USA. With its strong academic reputation, diverse programs, and supportive environment for international scholars, UMass Amherst offers excellent value for your investment in higher education. Rankings from globally recognized bodies highlight its excellence, making it an ideal destination for the upcoming intake. Whether you're pursuing STEM, business, or humanities, these accolades underscore the university's commitment to quality education and global employability.

Global University Rankings

UMass Amherst consistently ranks among the world's top public universities, appealing to Indian students seeking prestigious yet affordable options. Its focus on research innovation and inclusive campus life resonates with the aspirations of students from India, where STEM and interdisciplinary studies are highly valued.

• QS World University Rankings 2024: Ranked #246 globally, placing it in the top 20% worldwide. For Indian students, this ranking emphasizes UMass Amherst's strong performance in employer reputation (top 150 globally), crucial for securing H-1B visas and jobs in tech hubs like Silicon Valley.
• Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024: Positioned at #201-250, with exceptional scores in teaching (28.2/100) and research environment (32.5/100). THE also ranks it #62 among US universities, highlighting its appeal for research-oriented programs popular among Indian applicants, such as data science and biotechnology.
• Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Rankings) 2023: #301-400 globally, with strengths in natural sciences and engineering—fields where over 60% of Indian students at UMass Amherst enroll.

These global rankings affirm UMass Amherst's status as a public Ivy, offering world-class education at a fraction of the cost of private elites, making it budget-friendly for Indian families planning for the next fall or spring intake.

National Rankings in the USA

As a flagship public university in the University of Massachusetts system, UMass Amherst excels in US-specific evaluations, focusing on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes—key concerns for Indian students navigating F-1 visas and OPT opportunities.

Ranking Body	Category	Position	Relevance for Indian Students
US News & World Report 2024	National Universities	#58 (tied)	Top public university at #26; high ROI with average starting salary of $55,000 for graduates, aiding loan repayments for Indian students.
US News & World Report 2024	Best Value Schools	#67 (public)	Affordable tuition (~$38,000/year for out-of-state) plus scholarships up to $10,000 for internationals, reducing financial burden.
Forbes America's Top Colleges 2023	Overall	#109	Strong alumni network in the US, with 15% of Indian-origin graduates in Fortune 500 companies.
Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2024	Best Colleges in America	Top 100 (specific rank #96)	Excels in student outcomes (score: 85/100), including post-graduation employment rates over 90%.

These national rankings position UMass Amherst as a leader among public institutions, with a 85% six-year graduation rate—higher than many peers—ensuring timely completion for visa-dependent Indian students.

Subject-Specific Rankings

UMass Amherst shines in disciplines favored by Indian students, particularly engineering, computer science, and business, where demand is high for the next intake. The university's Isenberg School of Management and College of Engineering are renowned for practical, industry-aligned curricula.

• Engineering (US News 2024): #49 nationally, with specialties like computer engineering (#41) and civil engineering (#33). Ideal for Indian students targeting MS programs with strong placement in firms like Google and Amazon.
• Computer Science (US News 2024): #61, bolstered by research in AI and cybersecurity—fields with exploding job markets for H-1B eligible roles.
• Business (US News 2024): #53 for undergraduate, #36 for MBA. The Isenberg School ranks #1 in Massachusetts for public business programs, offering concentrations in finance and supply chain management popular among Indian applicants.
• Psychology (QS Subject Rankings 2023): #151-200 globally, with a focus on clinical and cognitive tracks.
• Agriculture and Forestry (QS 2023): #51-100, through the Stockbridge School, appealing to students from rural Indian backgrounds interested in sustainable development.

Over 2,000 Indian students currently study at UMass Amherst, forming vibrant communities via the Indian Student Association, which enhances networking for internships and jobs.

Research, Innovation, and Employability Rankings

UMass Amherst's research prowess is a major draw for Indian students seeking PhD pathways or industry R&D roles. It's classified as an R1 Doctoral University with very high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation.

• National Science Foundation Research Expenditures (2022): #52 in the US, with $211 million funded annually—opportunities for Indian students via assistantships covering tuition and stipends.
• QS Employability Rankings 2022: Top 300 globally for graduate employability, with 95% of international alumni employed within six months.
• Princeton Review 2024: Ranked among top 20 for "Best Career Services," providing resume workshops and career fairs tailored for OPT/CPT extensions crucial for Indian graduates.

For innovation, UMass Amherst ranks #1 in Massachusetts for patents filed (per NSF data), fostering startups that align with India's growing entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Why These Rankings Matter for Indian Students in the Next Intake

With application deadlines approaching for fall 2024 and spring 2025, UMass Amherst's rankings translate to tangible benefits: generous merit-based scholarships (up to 50% tuition waiver for high-GPA Indians), a 90%+ visa success rate for admits, and a welcoming campus with over 1,000 Indian students. The university's emphasis on diversity (25% international enrollment) ensures cultural support, from Diwali celebrations to Holi events. Choosing UMass Amherst means accessing top-tier education that boosts your global career prospects while keeping costs manageable—tuition ROI often recouped in 2-3 years post-graduation.

Pro Tip for Applicants: Highlight your rankings awareness in your Statement of Purpose to show alignment with UMass Amherst's strengths. Contact the Office of International Programs for intake-specific guidance.