Amherst vs. St Lawrence University

Comparable Facts

Compare Amherst College in Amherst, MA with St Lawrence University in Canton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

St Lawrence University is larger than Amherst based on total student enrollment (1,991 students vs. 1,914 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Amherst College is located in Amherst, MA (Town Fringe setting); St Lawrence University is in Canton, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Amherst College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. St Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Amherst College 6:1; St Lawrence University 11:1.

Amherst vs. St Lawrence University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Amherst or St Lawrence 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 St Lawrence University ($19,049 vs. $33,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at St Lawrence University are 7.6% lower than at Amherst College ($17,000 vs. $18,390).
• Amherst College is 6.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than St Lawrence University (about $4,580 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $65,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.9% higher at Amherst than at St Lawrence University (about $4,580 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $65,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at St Lawrence University than at Amherst College (99% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Amherst College students is 40.6% larger than aid received by St Lawrence University students ($68,591 vs. $48,784).

Amherst vs. St Lawrence University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Amherst College (1540) is 200 points higher than at St Lawrence University (1340).
• Incoming Amherst students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at St Lawrence University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 1490/1580; St Lawrence University 1255/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 33/35; St Lawrence University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Amherst - Test optional; St Lawrence University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Amherst Jan 2, 2027; St Lawrence University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Amherst students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at St Lawrence University (3.6).
• St Lawrence University has a higher acceptance rate (54.3%) than Amherst (9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Amherst vs. 12.8% at St Lawrence University.

Amherst vs. St Lawrence University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Amherst and St Lawrence 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 St Lawrence University's (80%).
• Graduates from Amherst College earn a median of about $28,900 more per year than St Lawrence University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,000 vs. $53,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Amherst College graduates have a $14,025 lower median loan debt than St Lawrence University graduates ($12,975 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Amherst graduates have an estimated $145 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St Lawrence University graduates ($134 vs. $279).
• More St Lawrence University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Amherst students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 83%)

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.