At $18,246/yr net price, Amherst College graduates earn $77,644/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $43,644/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,246 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,984 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $77,644/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$43,644/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 93.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,740 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,888/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,868/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,112/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,179/yr |
| $110,001+ | $50,358/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $74,576 | $16,662 |
| History. | Bachelor | $74,576 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $67,660 | $13,900 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $67,101 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $48,432 | |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $10,800 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $31,839 |
The Risk Factor
93.4% of students at Amherst College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Amherst College delivers strong financial returns with median earnings of $77,644 ten years after graduation, well above the national average for liberal arts colleges. Your net price of $18,246 creates an attractive cost-to-earnings ratio, especially given the school's 93% graduation rate that virtually guarantees degree completion.
Economics and History majors earn identical median salaries of $74,576, making them your best financial bets at Amherst. Mathematics follows closely at $67,660 with manageable debt of $13,900. Romance Languages also performs well at $67,101. Political Science lags significantly at $48,432, a concerning gap given its popularity at liberal arts schools.
Your biggest financial risk is choosing the wrong major. The $26,000 gap between top and bottom earners shows that program selection matters more than the Amherst name alone. Low median debt of $13,740 reduces this risk, but you still need to pick strategically.
Amherst works best financially if you plan to study economics, history, or mathematics and can handle the academic intensity. The school's generous need-based aid keeps costs reasonable for qualifying families. Skip Amherst if you want political science or need merit scholarships, as only 22% of students receive aid and the college focuses entirely on need-based assistance.
The Western Massachusetts location limits local job opportunities, so you'll likely need to relocate after graduation. Factor relocation costs into your financial planning, though Amherst's strong alumni network in major cities helps offset this geographic disadvantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amherst College worth the high cost of attendance?
Amherst College delivers strong ROI with graduates earning $77,644 after 10 years and graduating with relatively low debt at $13,740 median. The net price of $18,246 after financial aid makes it more affordable than the sticker price suggests.
What majors at Amherst College have the best return on investment?
History and Economics majors at Amherst earn around $74,576 annually, while Mathematics graduates make $67,660. Political Science shows lower returns at $48,432, making major choice important for ROI.
How good is Amherst College's financial aid for middle-class families?
Amherst's financial aid reduces costs significantly, bringing the average net price to $18,246 per year. With only $13,740 in median student debt, most graduates avoid heavy loan burdens.
Does Amherst College's selectivity affect its value proposition?
The 7% acceptance rate means most qualified applicants won't get in, but those who do see strong outcomes with 93% graduation rates. The selectivity itself contributes to higher post-graduation earnings through alumni networks and employer recognition.