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 gives you a strong financial return, mostly because the debt side stays low. You leave with median debt around $13,740, less than a single year's net price, and you pay it off against median earnings near $77,600 a decade out. A 93% graduation rate and a 97% retention rate mean you actually finish and get to those earnings, which is where most schools quietly lose people.
Among majors, economics and history both land near $74,600, with economics carrying slightly more debt. Mathematics and Romance languages sit a step lower in the high $60,000s. Political science and government is the clear outlier at $48,432, roughly $26,000 behind economics for the same tuition and the same degree. If you enroll planning to major in political science, know that it pays back far slower here than the quantitative and economics tracks.
The specific risk is the income cliff in net price. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay under $1,900 a year, which makes Amherst one of the cheapest paths to these earnings anywhere. Between $48,000 and $75,000 it rises to about $6,100, still low. But once your family clears $75,000, the price jumps to roughly $20,200, and above $110,000 you face the full $50,358. That top tier is a real gap with no discount to cushion it.
Amherst is a good fit for you if your family income sits under $75,000, where the aid does the heavy lifting and the low debt makes the math easy. If your family earns over $110,000 and you plan to study political science, you are paying $50,000 a year against sub-$50,000 earnings, and you should compare that against cheaper options before committing.
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.