Hampshire College vs. Westfield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Westfield State University is larger than Hampshire College based on total student enrollment (4,588 students vs. 844 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hampshire College is located in Amherst, MA (Rural Fringe setting); Westfield State University is in Westfield, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Hampshire College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Westfield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hampshire College 13:1; Westfield State University 17:1.

Hampshire College vs. Westfield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hampshire College or Westfield 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 Westfield State University than Hampshire College ($17,406 vs. $27,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Westfield State University are 12.2% lower than at Hampshire College ($14,018 vs. $15,958).
• Hampshire College is 383.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Westfield State University (about $46,717 more per year; $58,896.00 vs. $12,179.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 222.6% higher at Hampshire College than at Westfield State University (about $40,637 more per year; $58,896.00 vs. $18,259.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hampshire College than at Westfield State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hampshire College students is 409.7% larger than aid received by Westfield State University students ($46,145 vs. $9,054).

Hampshire College vs. Westfield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hampshire College or Westfield 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 Westfield State University and Hampshire College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestfield State University 980/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestfield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hampshire College - Test-free; Westfield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hampshire College Jan 15, 2027; Westfield State University Mar 1, 2027.
• Westfield State University has a higher acceptance rate (81.4%) than Hampshire College (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.4% at Hampshire College vs. 15.2% at Westfield State University.

Hampshire College vs. Westfield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hampshire College and Westfield 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).

• Hampshire College's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Westfield State University's (58%).
• Graduates from Westfield State University earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than Hampshire College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Westfield State University graduates have a $781 lower median loan debt than Hampshire College graduates ($22,750 vs. $23,531).
• Among borrowers, Westfield State University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hampshire College graduates ($235 vs. $243).
• More Westfield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hampshire College students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 72%)

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.