Amherst vs. Framingham State University

Comparable Facts

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

Framingham State University is larger than Amherst based on total student enrollment (4,002 students vs. 1,914 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Amherst College is located in Amherst, MA (Town Fringe setting); Framingham State University is in Framingham, MA (Small City setting).
• Amherst College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Framingham State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Amherst College 6:1; Framingham State University 12:1.

Amherst vs. Framingham State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Amherst or Framingham State 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 Framingham State University than Amherst ($16,114 vs. $19,049).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Framingham State University are 16.7% lower than at Amherst College ($15,310 vs. $18,390).
• Amherst College is 491.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Framingham State University (about $58,560 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $11,920.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 291.6% higher at Amherst than at Framingham State University (about $52,480 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $18,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Framingham State University than at Amherst College (86% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Amherst College students is 505% larger than aid received by Framingham State University students ($68,591 vs. $11,338).

Amherst vs. Framingham State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Amherst or Framingham State 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 Framingham State University and Amherst.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Amherst College (1540) is 350 points higher than at Framingham State University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 1490/1580; Framingham State University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Amherst - Test optional; Framingham State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Amherst Jan 2, 2027; Framingham State University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Amherst students have a 0.84 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Framingham State University (3.07).
• Framingham State University has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than Amherst (9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Amherst vs. 15.5% at Framingham State University.

Amherst vs. Framingham State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Amherst and Framingham State 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 Framingham State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Amherst College earn a median of about $34,400 more per year than Framingham State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,000 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Amherst College graduates have a $11,730 lower median loan debt than Framingham State University graduates ($12,975 vs. $24,705).
• Among borrowers, Amherst graduates have an estimated $121 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Framingham State University graduates ($134 vs. $255).
• More Amherst graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Framingham State University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 73%)

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.