Northeastern University has a strong emphasis on experiential learning and co-op education, with a focus on preparing students for professional careers. UMass Amherst has a more diverse and inclusive campus culture, with a strong commitment to sustainability and social justice. Northeastern is known for its strengths in co-op education, engineering, computer science, business, and the health sciences, as well as its highly regarded programs in international relations and public health. UMass Amherst has strong programs in many areas, including engineering, computer science, business, education, and the arts and humanities, and is particularly well-known for its programs in environmental science and sustainability. Northeastern University is located in an urban setting full of cultural attractions and job opportunities, while UMass Amherst is located in the Pioneer Valley region of western Massachusetts, with easy access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions.

UMass Amherst and Boston University are both highly regarded universities in Massachusetts. Boston University is known for its strengths in the arts, communication, business, law, and medicine, as well as its highly regarded programs in international relations and public health. Both universities are highly focused on research and innovation, but Boston University has a strong emphasis on medical research and health sciences, while UMass Amherst is known for its strengths in environmental science and sustainability research. Boston University has a more urban campus culture, with a focus on the arts, creativity, and innovation.

UMass Amherst and Boston College are both highly regarded universities in Massachusetts. Boston College is known for its strengths in the liberal arts, business, and education, as well as its highly regarded programs in theology and philosophy. UMass Amherst has strong programs in many areas, including engineering, computer science, business, education, and the arts and humanities, and is particularly well-known for its programs in environmental science and sustainability. Boston College has a strong sense of community and a Catholic Jesuit identity, with a focus on service and social justice. Boston College is located in Chestnut Hill, a neighborhood of Boston, and has easy access to the cultural attractions and job opportunities of the city. UMass Amherst is a public university and generally less expensive than Boston College, which is a private university.

Penn State has a strong sense of community and school spirit, with a focus on sports and outdoor recreation. Penn State has a strong emphasis on STEM research, as well as a focus on agriculture and natural resources research, which UMass Amherst is known for its strengths in environmental science and sustainability research. UMass Amherst's base tuition is generally less expensive than Penn State, but both schools offer financial aid and scholarships to atmi

University of Vermont is also public college in New England. UVM has a strong emphasis on sustainability, outdoor recreation, and community service, with a focus on hands-on learning and innovation. Both universities emphasize environmental science and sustainability. Burlington, Vermont, i a small college town which, like Amherst, offers easy access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions. UMass Amherst generally less expensive than UVM, because Vermont has higher out-of-state tuition rates.

University of New Hampshire is known for its strengths in the sciences, engineering, business, and the humanities, as well as its highly regarded programs in marine biology and environmental studies. UNH has a strong sense of community and school spirit, with a focus on outdoor recreation and sustainability. UNH is located in Durham, New Hampshire, a small college town which, like Amherst, provides easy access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions. Both are public universities, but UNH has higher out-of-state tuition than UMass Amherst.

WPI in central Massachusetts emphasizes hands-on learning and innovation, with a focus on entrepreneurship and project-based teamwork. WPI has a strong emphasis on applied research and innovation, particularly in the fields of engineering and science. UMass Amherst, on the other hand, is known for its strengths in environmental science and sustainability research. UMass Amherst is a public university and generally less expensive than WPI, which is a private university.

UConn is known for its strengths in the sciences, engineering, business, and the humanities, as well as its highly regarded programs in agriculture and natural resources. UConn has a strong emphasis on STEM research, as well as a focus on agricultural and natural resources research. UMass Amherst is known for its strengths in environmental science and sustainability research. UConn is located in Storrs, Connecticut, in a rural area which, like Amherst, offers easy access to outdoor recreation. UMass Amherst is generally less expensive than UConn, which is also a public university but has higher out-of-state tuition rates.

Syracuse University is known for its strengths in the arts, communication, business, law, and education, as well as its highly regarded programs in public affairs and international relations. Both universities are highly focused on research and innovation, but Syracuse has a strong emphasis on media, information studies, and the social sciences, while UMass Amherst is known for its strengths in environmental science and sustainability research. Syracuse University is located in Syracuse, a mid-sized city in upstate New York. Both schools offer easy access to recreational activities.