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Amherst College

Amherst, MA·Private·~9% acceptance

Amherst College is a private college based in Amherst, MA. With an acceptance rate of about 9%, it is among the most selective schools in the United States. Students pay an average net price of about $23,367 per year after financial aid. About 94% of students graduate, and alumni earn a median of about $77,644 ten years after enrolling.

Average cost
$23,367/yr avg net price after aid
Full cost $87,640
Aid cuts ~$64,273/yr on average

Average across all aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take the free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.

Deadlines
ED
Nov 9
EA
RD
Jan 5

ED and RD not confirmed with the college yet. Check their site before you rely on it.

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Your fit

Blueprint scores how well Amherst College matches your grades, budget, and preferences. New to Blueprint? Start with the Discovery quiz to find your best-fit majors first.

Admissions
GPA range3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)1490–1580
ACT (middle 50%)33–35
Test policyTest optional
Programs
Computer Science
Data Science / Statistics
Information Systems / IT
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Environmental Science
Outcomes
94%
graduation rate
97%
freshman retention
$62,537
median earnings, 6yr
$77,644
median earnings, 10yr
How Amherst College reads an application

What Amherst College values

Very important
Course rigorGrades (GPA)Test scoresApplication essaysRecommendationsExtracurricularsTalent / ability
Important
Class rankCharacter / personal qualitiesFirst-generation statusVolunteer workWork experience
Also considered
Geographic residence

From Amherst College’s Common Data Set. Put your effort where it counts most.

What Amherst College requires

Required
Course rigorRecommendationsApplication essaysTOEFL / English proficiency
Considered
Grades (GPA)Class rankCollege-prep programTest scoresDemonstration of competenciesWork experience

From federal IPEDS data — what Amherst College requires vs considers (not how heavily each is weighed).

Frequently asked questions
What is Amherst College's acceptance rate?
Amherst College admits about 9% of applicants.
How much does Amherst College cost?
At Amherst College, the average net price after aid is about $23,367 per year, and the full cost of attendance is about $87,640 per year before aid. Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Amherst College?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1580 on the SAT and 33–35 on the ACT.
What are Amherst College's application deadlines?
Amherst College's deadlines are Early Decision around Nov 9, Regular Decision around Jan 5. Always confirm exact dates on the school's official site.
What does Amherst College value most in applicants?
In its most recent Common Data Set, Amherst College rates Course rigor, Grades (GPA), Test scores, Application essays, Recommendations, Extracurriculars, and Talent / ability as "very important" in admissions decisions, and also weighs Class rank, Character / personal qualities, First-generation status, Volunteer work, and Work experience. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see how your profile lines up.

See if Amherst College is a fit for you

Two free steps: find your best-fit majors with the Discovery quiz, then run the College Matchmaker for your real admission odds and net price at Amherst College, side by side with your other schools.