Amherst, MA
Amherst College is a private nonprofit institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 1,911 students and a 9.0% acceptance rate. It maintains a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and reports a 6-year graduation rate of 93.7%. The cost of attendance is $90,670, with 19.8% of students receiving Pell grants and 20.8% being first-generation students.
Amherst College is highly selective with a 9.0% acceptance rate and an undergraduate enrollment of 1,911 students. The college maintains a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and reports a 93.7% six-year graduation rate.
| Applied | Admitted | Rate | Enrolled | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 4,935 | 493 | 10% | 197 |
| Women | 5,793 | 597 | 10.3% | 239 |
Amherst College admits 9% of applicants — a typical similar college admits 74%.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Amherst College has a cost of attendance of $90,670 with 19.8% of students receiving Pell grants. The college's substantial endowment of $3.5 billion supports its financial aid mission for low-income students.
Graduates who borrowed carry a median monthly repayment of about $146.
After aid, Amherst College costs $23,367 a year — about 3% more than a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Amherst College has a 93.7% six-year graduation rate. Median earnings are $62,537 at six years after enrollment and $77,644 at ten years after enrollment.
| Major | Graduates |
|---|---|
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 78 |
| Computer Science | 48 |
| Mathematics, General | 35 |
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General | 33 |
| English Language and Literature, General | 26 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology, Other | 26 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular... | 24 |
| American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence | 23 |
| Chemistry, General | 20 |
| Neuroscience | 20 |
Median earnings eight years after entering Amherst College are $86,438, and 68% of former students earn more than $25,000 six years after entry.
Six years after entry, former Amherst College students earn $62,537 — 38% more than at a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Amherst College is a private nonprofit institution with 1,911 undergraduates and a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The college competes in NCAA Division III athletics, including football, with annual athletic revenue of $5.9 million.
Average head coach salary by program gender.
605 of 1,907 undergraduates, counting each athlete once regardless of how many sports they play.
0 of 1,910 undergraduates study entirely at a distance.
Amherst College is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.
Amherst College spends $24,630 per student on research — about 4× a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Amherst College is in Amherst Town, MA, in what IPEDS classifies as a small city setting. The campus sits about 0.8 miles from the center of Amherst Town. There are 10 other colleges within 25 miles, and Amherst Town, MA is 0.8 miles away.
Hampshire County scores 9.3 out of 20 on the EPA National Walkability Index — below average walkable. The index is a county-wide average of block groups, so it describes the surrounding area rather than the campus itself.
Undergraduates make up about 55% of Amherst Town's residents.
Every college that receives federal financial aid must publish its crime statistics each year under the Clery Act. These are the figures Amherst College reported for 2024.
Read these numbers carefully. A Clery figure counts reports, not incidents. A university with active reporting channels, a large campus police force and a teaching hospital will record more offenses than one where the same events go unreported — so a higher count is not evidence of a more dangerous campus, and a low count is not evidence of a safe one. In 2024, 833 campuses with more than 1,000 students reported no offenses at all. Use these figures to ask a college questions, not to rank one against another.
Separately, Amherst College reported 1 arrests and 4 disciplinary referrals for weapons, drug and liquor law violations on campus. Referrals for alcohol violations are usually the largest category at residential colleges and reflect how a school handles student conduct internally.
Common questions about Amherst College admissions, costs, and outcomes.
Amherst College has an acceptance rate of 9.0%, making it highly selective. This means admission is competitive, and successful applicants typically demonstrate strong academic performance and personal qualities that align with the college's mission.
The total cost of attendance at Amherst College is $90,670 per year, including tuition, fees, room, and board. However, most students receive financial aid that significantly reduces this amount based on family income and need.
Yes, Amherst is committed to affordability. About 19.8% of students receive Pell grants, and 20.8% are first-generation college students. The college's substantial endowment of $3.5 billion supports need-based financial aid for qualifying students.
Amherst has a 6-year graduation rate of 93.7%. The college maintains strong graduation rates across student demographics: 91.9% for Pell grant recipients and 87.8% for non-Pell students, demonstrating commitment to student success.
Amherst graduates earn a median of $62,537 six years after enrollment and $77,644 ten years after enrollment. These earnings reflect the value of an Amherst education and career trajectory across diverse fields.
Amherst has an undergraduate enrollment of 1,911 students, making it an intimate liberal arts college. The 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures close relationships between students and professors and personalized learning experiences.
Amherst is distinguished by its highly selective admissions (9% acceptance rate), exceptional endowment of $3.5 billion, and strong commitment to diversity with 20.8% first-generation and 55% women students. The college combines rigorous academics with a collaborative, inclusive community.
Yes, Amherst competes in NCAA Division III with football and other varsity sports. The athletic program, with $5.9 million in annual revenue, emphasizes student-athlete development and institutional values alongside competitive excellence.
Women comprise 55% of Amherst's undergraduate student body, reflecting the college's commitment to gender balance. This diversity enriches campus culture and classroom discussions across all disciplines.
Approximately 20.8% of Amherst students are first-generation college students. The college provides robust support services and mentorship to ensure first-generation students thrive academically and socially throughout their time at Amherst.