University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, MA · founded 1863 · 32,000 students · mega public · NCAA Division I (Atlantic 10, Hockey East for ice hockey)

Known for: As the flagship campus of the UMass system, it is renowned for its strong research output, particularly in polymer science and engineering, and its highly ranked computer science and food science programs.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #67
QS World: #245
Times Higher Education: #201
ARWU Shanghai: #151
Forbes: #132

Top programmes

Computer Science
Food Science
Polymer Science and Engineering
Nursing
Business
Linguistics

Notable alumni

Bill Cosby — Comedian and actor (degree revoked)
Natalie Cole — Grammy-winning singer
Jeffrey Donovan — Actor, known for 'Burn Notice'
Jack Welch — Former CEO of General Electric
Catherine 'Cady' Coleman — NASA astronaut
Julius Erving — Basketball Hall of Famer 'Dr. J'
Rick Pitino — Hall of Fame basketball coach
Sergei Tretyakov — Russian defector and former intelligence officer

Traditions

Hoco (Homecoming) Parade and Carnival
Blarney Blowout
Mullins Center ice skating
Spring Concert
UMass Marathon Dance (charity event)

If University of Massachusetts Amherst were…

As a food: Veggie Lover's pizza from Antonio's — A messy, beloved, unpretentious staple that’s both hearty and countercultural—just like UMass’s crunchy-activist vibe and legendary dining halls.
As an athlete: Julius Erving — A revolutionary talent who blended flashy style with grassroots appeal, much like UMass’s mix of top-tier research and granola-casual campus life.
As a person alive today: Michael Moore — Outspoken, populist, and unafraid to challenge the system—embodies UMass’s activist spirit and proud public university ethos.
As a historical figure: Henry David Thoreau — A Massachusetts transcendentalist who championed simplicity and civil disobedience—perfect for a school that’s equally granola and politically engaged.
As a movie or TV show: Good Will Hunting — A brilliant but rough-around-the-edges public university kid from Massachusetts who debates in quads and challenges the establishment.
As a US president: John F. Kennedy — A progressive New Englander with idealistic vigor and a touch of party charm—like UMass’s blend of activism and legendary social scenes.
As a city: Portland, Oregon — Progressive, eco-conscious, food-obsessed, and unapologetically quirky—a perfect mirror of UMass Amherst’s crunchy, activist vibe.
As an element: Carbon — Symbol: C, Atomic number: 6. The foundation of organic life—versatile, common yet essential, much like UMass’s role as a sprawling, vital public institution.
As a car: 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia — Camper van with Grateful Dead stickers, a leaky roof, and surprisingly good times. UMass Amherst combines Five College intellectualism, ZooMass party reputation, activist energy, and Pioneer Valley crunchiness—laid-back

Campus life

The campus has a vibrant, active social scene with a strong emphasis on student activism and a diverse array of over 300 student organizations. It's known for a quintessential New England college town feel in Amherst, with a mix of academic focus and lively parties, especially in the Southwest residential area.