Amherst College

Amherst College admits approximately 9.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 10 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places Amherst among the most selective liberal arts colleges in the United States, falling within the "Most Selective" tier of institutions with acceptance rates below 10%.

The peer median admission rate of 75.6% highlights the stark difference between Amherst's selectivity and typical four-year institutions. Even among elite private liberal arts colleges, Amherst's acceptance rate falls at the highly competitive end of the spectrum.

This level of selectivity means that even exceptionally qualified students—those with outstanding test scores, excellent academic records, and strong extracurricular involvement—face significant uncertainty in the admission process. Many students who would thrive at Amherst do not receive admission simply due to the volume of highly qualified applicants competing for limited spots.

For this reason, students considering Amherst should build comprehensive college lists that include institutions with higher acceptance rates but comparable academic quality and post-graduation outcomes. Treating Amherst as a "reach" school regardless of qualifications represents sound application strategy.

The sections below provide guidance on academic preparation and alternative schools that deliver similar career outcomes with more accessible admission processes.

Amherst College's published cost of attendance reaches $83,650 annually, including $67,280 in tuition, $17,560 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less due to substantial financial aid.

The average net price after aid is $18,246, representing financial aid savings of $65,404 annually. This places Amherst's net price $3,566 below the peer median of $21,812, making it more affordable than typical four-year institutions despite its elite status.

Net prices vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $1,888 for families earning under $30,000 to $50,358 for families earning over $110,000. This progressive aid structure demonstrates Amherst's commitment to affordability across income levels.

The substantial discount from sticker price to actual cost reflects the college's robust endowment and need-based aid programs. For most families, the actual cost of attending Amherst proves significantly lower than the published figures suggest, with particularly generous aid for middle and lower-income students.

Amherst College graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth and strong long-term outcomes. Median earnings rise from $62,537 six years after enrollment to $86,438 at eight years and $77,644 at ten years, representing 24.2% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on cohorts of 178 graduates at six years, 131 at eight years, and 187 at ten years, providing solid confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $10,570 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Amherst in the 86.5th percentile for earnings uplift.

The college ranks at the 92nd percentile for median earnings, significantly outperforming most four-year institutions. Earnings span from $60,184 at the 25th percentile to $153,382 at the 75th percentile, reflecting a 2.5:1 ratio that indicates meaningful variation in career trajectories across different fields of study.

Approximately 21.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating strong preparation for both advanced education and direct workforce entry. The combination of strong median outcomes, significant earnings beyond expectations, and controlled debt levels positions Amherst graduates favorably for long-term career advancement.

Amherst College offers 11 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Computer Science ranks #11 nationally and #3 in Massachusetts, producing 46 graduates with exceptional median earnings of $194,751 and a value score of 94.5.

Applied Economics ranks #4 nationally and #1 in Massachusetts, graduating 74 students with median earnings of $127,636 and achieving the highest value score of 98.5. American History stands out with a #1 national ranking and #1 state ranking, graduating 33 students with median earnings of $114,276 and a perfect value score of 100.0.

Algebra and Number Theory ranks #5 nationally and #2 in Massachusetts, with 68 graduates earning $109,199. Even programs in traditionally lower-earning fields demonstrate strong outcomes, with English Language and Literature ranking #50 nationally and #6 in Massachusetts, graduating 39 students with median earnings of $49,206.

The college's programs consistently achieve top rankings within their fields, with most holding top-major-at-school designations, reflecting Amherst's institutional strength across diverse academic disciplines.