The Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts–Amherst has emerged as a leading business school in the U.S., known for academic rigor, career readiness, and strong industry connections. From its nationally ranked MBA program to innovative undergraduate offerings, Isenberg combines accessibility with excellence, providing students with transformative business education.
Is UMass Amherst Isenberg a Good School?
Yes, the Isenberg School of Management is widely regarded as one of the top business schools in the United States, especially among public institutions.
Highlights That Make Isenberg Stand Out:
- Top 50 Business School (U.S. News & World Report)
- Accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)
- Renowned for programs in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Sport Management
- Strong online MBA and undergraduate business programs recognized nationally
- Over 50,000 alumni worldwide and an active, supportive career network
The school’s focus on data-driven decision-making, leadership development, and ethical business practices ensures its graduates are well-equipped for success.
Is UMass Amherst a Tier 1 University?
Yes, the University of Massachusetts–Amherst is considered a Tier 1 research university and is a member of the Association of Online MBA USAn Universities (AAU), a prestigious group of top research institutions in North Online MBA USA.
UMass Amherst Rankings & Recognition:
- #32 Top Public Universities – U.S. News & World Report 2024
- #67 National Universities Overall
- #1 Public University in New England
- R1 Classification – Highest level of research activity
- Over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs
UMass Amherst’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global impact places it among the elite public universities in the country.
Is UMass Amherst Isenberg Hard to Get Into?
The Isenberg School of Management is selective, with strong academic expectations for incoming students.
Undergraduate Program Admission:
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 28%–35% for direct business admits
- Average High School GPA: 4.0 (weighted)
- SAT Range: 1250–1420
- ACT Range: 28–32
Isenberg offers direct admission to business majors from high school and also accepts internal transfers and upper-division applicants, who typically need to demonstrate a 3.5+ GPA in prerequisite courses.
Graduate Programs (MBA, MS, Ph.D.):
- Online MBA is among the most competitive and respected in the U.S.
- Average GMAT: 620–670 (waivers available for qualified applicants)
- Average GPA: 3.4–3.7
- Professional Experience: 2+ years preferred for MBA applicants
Isenberg’s admissions process is holistic, taking into account academic history, leadership experience, career goals, and personal achievements.
Is UMass Amherst a Good University?
Absolutely. UMass Amherst is widely recognized as one of the top public universities in the nation, combining the resources of a large research institution with the personalized attention of a smaller college.
Why UMass Amherst is a Strong Choice:
- World-Class Faculty across disciplines
- Extensive Research Opportunities for undergraduates and graduates
- A robust network of industry partnerships and co-op programs
- Vibrant campus life, with over 400 student organizations
- An impressive 94% job placement rate within 6 months for Isenberg graduates
UMass Amherst’s commitment to student success, academic excellence, and community engagement sets it apart on the national stage.
Isenberg School of Management Rankings and Accolades
Isenberg consistently ranks among the top business schools in various categories.
Recent Rankings (2024):
- #1 Public Online MBA Program – Financial Times
- #35 Best Undergraduate Business School – U.S. News & World Report
- #12 Best Online MBA Program – Poets&Quants
- #10 Sport Management Program in the U.S.
- Highly ranked for hospitality, analytics, and accounting
Isenberg’s online MBA and flexible degree formats make it a leader in accessibility and innovation, while still maintaining high academic standards.
Career Outcomes and Employment Success
The Isenberg Chase Career Center supports students with resume development, interview preparation, internship placement, and job search strategy.
Employment Stats for Isenberg Graduates (2023):
- Undergraduate Average Starting Salary: $64,000
- MBA Average Salary + Bonus: $115,000+
- Internship Participation Rate: Over 85%
- Top Employers Include:
- EY, PwC, Deloitte, Liberty Mutual, TJX Companies, Amazon, State Street, and IBM
Graduates benefit from strong regional and national placement, particularly in the Northeast business corridor, including Boston and New York City.
Academic Excellence and Program Diversity
Isenberg offers a variety of degree programs designed to meet today’s business demands.
Undergraduate Majors:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Operations & Information Management
- Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Management
- Sport Management
Graduate Programs:
- Full-Time MBA
- Online MBA
- MS in Business Analytics
- MS in Accounting
- Ph.D. in Business Administration
Each program integrates real-world applications, case study Online MBA analysis, and experiential learning opportunities.
Experiential Learning and Global Focus
Isenberg promotes hands-on learning through:
- Internships and Co-ops
- Case Competitions
- Consulting Projects
- Study Abroad Programs
- Entrepreneurship Initiatives at the Berthiaume Center
This approach ensures that students are well-prepared to adapt to dynamic global business environments.
