Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Amherst, Massachusetts |
| Online | amherst.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Town Fringe |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Amherst College, established in 1821 and located in Amherst, Massachusetts, is a prominent liberal arts institution situated in a suburban town within the picturesque Pioneer Valley, approximately 90 miles from Boston. The private undergraduate college emphasizes a comprehensive and rigorous education across a wide range of disciplines, with notable strength in political science, economics, and research sciences. Amherst is distinguished by its open curriculum, allowing students exceptional flexibility in their academic pursuits without the constraint of core requirements. The college's campus, reflecting a blend of traditional and contemporary architecture, provides a serene educational environment and includes on-campus housing options for the majority of its student body. Known for its highly selective admissions process, Amherst maintains an intimate learning atmosphere with small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio. While not predominantly recognized for athletics, the college competes in the NCAA Division III as the Amherst Mammoths, emphasizing a balance between academic achievement and athletic participation.
In the most recent statistical year 14,864 prospective students applied, and 1,079 were granted admission. Of those admitted 467 enrolled in the school. 1,898 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 0 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $63,500 plus fees of $600. Amherst is ranked 16 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Amherst is rated within the top 4% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 10 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Amherst College within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#16 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#16 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#4 in Best Colleges in Massachusetts
#4 in Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts
#12 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#3 in Best Value Colleges in Massachusetts
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1420/1550 |
| ACT | 32/35 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.91 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 2, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Extreme |
| Application Fee | $65 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $600 |
| Room and Board | $16,750 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,800 |
| Total One Year Cost | $83,650 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 26% |
| English and Literature | 12% |
| Foreign Languages | 7% |
| Biology | 7% |
| Psychology | 7% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Amherst College.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=164465 IPEDS survey data for Amherst College.
Current students may use the Amherst College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024