About Amherst College
The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility despite the $67,280 sticker price. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,888 annually after aid. Even those from households earning $75,000-$110,000 face a net price of only $20,179. Graduates earn a median of $77,644 ten years after graduation while carrying minimal debt of $13,740. The college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without requiring loans.
The 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates an environment where professors know students by name. With 96.79% of students returning for sophomore year, satisfaction runs high on this close-knit campus. The Mammoths compete in 27 varsity sports at the Division III level, where 605 student-athletes balance academics with competition. Over 92% of students graduate in four years, launching careers from this top liberal arts foundation.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 95.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 92.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 93.4%
- Retention Rate
- 96.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $77,644
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $74,576 |
| History. | Bachelor | $74,576 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $67,660 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $67,101 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $31,839 |
Campus Life
The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and dining hall conversations often continue in office hours. Students gather at the campus center between classes or head to town for coffee shops and bookstores within walking distance. The Five College Consortium lets students cross-register at nearby Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and UMass Amherst. Weekend activities range from varsity games (605 total athletes across 27 sports) to parties in dorms or off-campus houses. The intense academic culture balances with strong social bonds forged in small seminar classes. Many students spend Saturday afternoons hiking the Holyoke Range or exploring Northampton's music venues. Study groups form naturally in residence halls where 96.79% of first-years return for sophomore year.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 1,948 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1821
Campus Safety (2023)
38 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–33°F
- July Avg
- 59°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- -740.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.3%
- Women
- 53.8%
- White
- 35.9%
- Black
- 11.2%
- Hispanic
- 15.1%
- Asian
- 15.6%
- In-State Students
- 11.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.6%
Location
- Address
- Amherst, Massachusetts 01002-5000
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $77,644
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $88,665
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $61,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 80.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $146/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,740
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Amherst College?
Amherst College accepts just 7.26% of applicants, making it one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1420 and 1550 on the SAT, reflecting the intense competition for these coveted spots.
How much does Amherst College cost after financial aid?
While the total cost reaches $85,840 annually, Amherst's generous need-blind admissions policy brings the average net price down to just $18,246. Families earning under $30,000 pay only $1,888 per year, as the college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without requiring loans.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Amherst College?
Amherst maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,907 students, ensuring intimate classroom discussions and close mentorship. This personalized attention contributes to the college's impressive 96.79% retention rate and reputation for rigorous liberal arts education.
What do Amherst College graduates earn after graduation?
Amherst graduates earn a median salary of $77,644 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 93.9%. The college's strong alumni network, including President Calvin Coolidge and Chief Justice Harlan Fiske Stone, opens doors across strong fields from government to literature.
Where do students live at Amherst College?
The campus houses 1,948 students in residence halls that foster the tight-knit community culture Amherst is known for. With 96.79% of students returning each year, the small-town Massachusetts setting creates lasting bonds among the diverse student body of 1,907.
Does Amherst College offer athletic scholarships?
Amherst awards $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution, focusing instead on need-based financial aid. Despite this, 605 students compete across 27 varsity sports as the Mammoths in the competitive New England Small College Athletic Conference.
