Amherst vs. Simmons University

Comparable Facts

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

Simmons University is larger than Amherst based on total student enrollment (4,666 students vs. 1,914 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Amherst College is located in Amherst, MA (Town Fringe setting); Simmons University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Amherst College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Amherst College 6:1; Simmons University 9:1.

Amherst vs. Simmons University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Amherst or Simmons 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 Amherst College than Simmons University ($19,049 vs. $28,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simmons University are 4.2% lower than at Amherst College ($17,618 vs. $18,390).
• Amherst College is 50.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Simmons University (about $23,606 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.4% higher at Amherst than at Simmons University (about $23,606 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons University than at Amherst College (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Amherst College students is 95.3% larger than aid received by Simmons University students ($68,591 vs. $35,123).

Amherst vs. Simmons University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Amherst College (1540) is 230 points higher than at Simmons University (1310).
• Incoming Amherst students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at Simmons University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 1490/1580; Simmons University 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 33/35; Simmons University 26/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Amherst - Test optional; Simmons University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Amherst Jan 2, 2027; Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Amherst students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Simmons University (3.87).
• Simmons University has a higher acceptance rate (70%) than Amherst (9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Amherst vs. 10.8% at Simmons University.

Amherst vs. Simmons University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Amherst and Simmons 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 Simmons University's (69%).
• Graduates from Amherst College earn a median of about $29,200 more per year than Simmons University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,000 vs. $52,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Amherst College graduates have a $13,025 lower median loan debt than Simmons University graduates ($12,975 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Amherst graduates have an estimated $134 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simmons University graduates ($134 vs. $268).
• More Amherst graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Simmons University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 80%)

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.