Amherst vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

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

Worcester State University is larger than Amherst based on total student enrollment (5,745 students vs. 1,914 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Amherst College is located in Amherst, MA (Town Fringe setting); Worcester State University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Amherst College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Amherst College 6:1; Worcester State University 16:1.

Amherst vs. Worcester State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Amherst or Worcester 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 Worcester State University than Amherst ($12,778 vs. $19,049).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 22.2% lower than at Amherst College ($14,307 vs. $18,390).
• Amherst College is 498% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $58,694 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 294.5% higher at Amherst than at Worcester State University (about $52,614 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Worcester State University than at Amherst College (80% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Amherst College students is 624.8% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($68,591 vs. $9,464).

Amherst vs. Worcester State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Amherst College (1540) is 390 points higher than at Worcester State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 1490/1580; Worcester State University 1026/1283.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Amherst - Test optional; Worcester State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Amherst Jan 2, 2027; Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Amherst students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Worcester State University (3.3).
• Worcester State University has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than Amherst (9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Amherst vs. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

Amherst vs. Worcester State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Amherst and Worcester 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 Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Amherst College earn a median of about $32,800 more per year than Worcester State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,000 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Amherst College graduates have a $7,025 lower median loan debt than Worcester State University graduates ($12,975 vs. $20,000).
• Among borrowers, Amherst graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Worcester State University graduates ($134 vs. $206).
• More Amherst graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Worcester State University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 66%)

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.