A very general question, but I was just curious if anyone thinks that Umass is worth the price for an out- of-state student. It’s almost 50k for out of state people, and I only got 28 composite on my ACT, and my GPA is 3.8/4.1(uw/w). I will apply for scholarships and needs based aid, but 50k is a daunting number for me and my family. I plan on studying environmental design, or environmental science.
Any advice is appreciated!
What state do u live in? Chances are that you could go to a decent state u. for half that amount, even as an out of stater. Check out South Florida, Florida State, West Virginia, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Texas Tech, Kentucky, Ohio U. Most of these have Iower starting prices than UMass & automatic or near-automatic merit aid for people with your grades & ACT.
I’m from Colorado, but wanted to go out of state. Another problem is that I don’t have the ACT writing portion, so some of those require that part of the test. I’ll definitely look at those schools! Thank you!!!
Also remember that you have your whole life to move out of state. If going to a public university in CO makes the most sense financially don’t discount it as a good option. If you stay in state you can always look to do a semester or even a year either abroad or at another college in the US.
Explore your OOS options but you have a pretty good instate option with Boulder - lots of kids here in socal who are willing to pay $50k to go there and it may be one of your more affordable options.
No, it’s not worth it.
I also recommend USF
Nobody should attend any school where the financial number is daunting unless there is something absolutely unique about that school that you cannot get anywhere else (or the payoff for that debt is financially worth it).
I do think you should apply to UMASS as there is a decent chance you will get some sort of merit scholarship. Tuition, Fees, Room, Meal Plan, and books at $1,000 comes to $43,800 for out of state students. See what you get in aid and then make your decision.
UMass has been steadily increasing the number of OOS students as a source of revenue. Sure, come on down, just be sure to bring your $$$$$!!
It was worth it to my son who is in the Sports Management program. We found (after much research) that it was one of the best in the nation and he loved the campus feel. Lucky for him his grandmother took care of tuition/fees for about 3.5 years and we only have to swing one semester. If it were not for that he would be at a state school in NY. He did get a 6K scholarship per year and that certainly helps but it did not bring the cost down to what a state school would be. I know it is easy to romanticize a place (especially college) but really take a practical look at everything and then make a decision.
@bucky0926 Glad to hear your son enjoyed the Sports Management program and his experience. I have a child considering that major at OOS schools too and debating if a double major with business would be a better route in terms of employment options after college. Curious as to your son’s employment prospects out of UMASS. It’s a tough field to break into (and make a decent salary at right out of undergrad). Are you happy with the internship/job fair and employment possibilities? What other colleges did he consider for that major and why did he choose UMASS in the end?
He loves Umass. Loved it from the time we drove onto the campus. Double major would be the way to go but considering he didn’t get into the program until his soph. year I didn’t want to put any other pressure on him. In fact I had already told him if he didn’t kill it freshman year and get into the program then he would have to transfer b/c I didn’t want to spend the oos money for just any old major. I think the internship prospects are good (will have a better feel for that next semester though). He is a junior now. He did do an internship in Israel this past summer (worked with the Haifa basketball team) which he found on his own so his prospects put him ahead of the game. Not sure how employment prospects are but others that have already graduated are gainfully employed (some in sports some not). The sports management major has them take plenty of business classes since its housed in the business school. In fact, that was one of the prerequisites for choosing a school. He wanted the program to be housed in a business school and not a kinesiology department. He had no interest in what bone is connected to what bone. When he went in he wanted to be a sports agent (the toughest field to break into) but if anyone can do it it’s my son. I think that might have changed but if the opportunity came along he would jump on it. Other schools he applied to were Ohio U, Bowling Green, Oregon, Brockport, Cortland. Got into all of them. Ohio actually gave him more money and the cost was cheaper but he didn’t want to even look at it because it was a full day away to get home (New Yorker). I liked Ohio because it has the oldest sports management program in the country and that means lots of alumni. Umass is second oldest. Sometimes that is all you need to tip the scales in your favor for a job. Bowling Green also gave him money but that was a back-up school for him. Oregon was in contention but they gave him nada in terms of money and that is a plane ride away. Went to visit Brockport which he felt would be a boring town to be in. He didn’t like Cortland although the tour was much better than the UMass tour. Waited until approx. April 4th to be told he got into UMass and he applied EA (was deferred to regular decision). Umass was where his heart was and he was thrilled when he got in, loves the school. Has joined both Sports Management clubs and was even asked to fill in freshman year and go on a networking trip to a Celtics game in Boston. He was the only one to meet the owner and sit next to him on the floor during the game and got invited to his private room for refreshments during half time. Your child should consider Umass for Sports-very well respected and I feel lots of prospects.
I live in MA and I know UMass is very highly looked upon and it is only getting more and more prestigious with time. I really do think it is above most state schools but thats just based off the common opinions in my region. It is also a very fun school with AMAZING food but also gives a good education. I’m in the same position as you, I want to leave MA and go to Colorado Boulder, but cost is a big issue so I understand where you are coming from.
@rolani88 That’s funny, I’m from Colorado. CU Boulder is an awesome school, but expensive for out of state students for sure. But scholarships come from everywhere. Apply. You’ll never know what kind of money you’ll get until you apply. Good luck!
@bucky0926 thanks for your reply. Your son seems to be having an amazing experience. Kudos to him on the internship in Israel, clearly he’s a go getter! My son also likes the business element of the sports management program at UMASS, doesn’t like programs where it lies within schools of education or kinesiology either. Very helpful, thanks! Continued good luck to your son, he seems driven and happy there, all any of us can ask for!! We are planning a visit in the spring.
I just got accepted to umass amherst and I’m from California. Looking back on it I wonder why I applied cause I probably won’t get any aid.
My son was accepted today OOS and NO merit award 