Amherst vs. Bay Path University

Comparable Facts

Compare Amherst College in Amherst, MA with Bay Path University in Longmeadow, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bay Path University is larger than Amherst based on total student enrollment (2,605 students vs. 1,914 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Amherst College is located in Amherst, MA (Town Fringe setting); Bay Path University is in Longmeadow, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Amherst College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bay Path University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Amherst College 6:1; Bay Path University 8:1.

Amherst vs. Bay Path University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Amherst or Bay Path University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bay Path University than Amherst ($15,463 vs. $19,049).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bay Path University are 26.1% lower than at Amherst College ($13,582 vs. $18,390).
• Amherst College is 84% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bay Path University (about $32,178 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $38,302.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84% higher at Amherst than at Bay Path University (about $32,178 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $38,302.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bay Path University than at Amherst College (92% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Amherst College students is 115.6% larger than aid received by Bay Path University students ($68,591 vs. $31,821).

Amherst vs. Bay Path University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Amherst or Bay Path University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bay Path University and Amherst.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Amherst College (1540) is 430 points higher than at Bay Path University (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 1490/1580; Bay Path University 1010/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Amherst - Test optional; Bay Path University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Amherst Jan 2, 2027; Bay Path University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Amherst students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Bay Path University (3.4).
• Bay Path University has a higher acceptance rate (85.2%) than Amherst (9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Amherst vs. 15.6% at Bay Path University.

Amherst vs. Bay Path University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Amherst and Bay Path University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Amherst College's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Bay Path University's (65%).
• Graduates from Amherst College earn a median of about $38,500 more per year than Bay Path University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,000 vs. $43,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Amherst College graduates have a $11,036 lower median loan debt than Bay Path University graduates ($12,975 vs. $24,011).
• Among borrowers, Amherst graduates have an estimated $114 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bay Path University graduates ($134 vs. $248).
• More Amherst graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bay Path University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 54%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.