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Amherst College vs Emerson College

Amherst College is a private college in Amherst, MA. Emerson College is a private college in Boston, MA. Amherst College admits about 9% of applicants and Emerson College about 51%, making Amherst College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $23,367 a year at Amherst College after aid, and about $49,180 at Emerson College. About 94% of students graduate at Amherst College, compared with 78% at Emerson College. Ten years after enrolling, Amherst College alumni earn a median of about $77,644, against $62,832 for Emerson College.

Amherst College

Amherst, MA · Private

Emerson College

Boston, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Amherst, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,911
3,870
Acceptance rate
9%
51%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1490–1580
1270–1420
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
29–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,367
$49,180
Full cost / yr
$87,640
$80,399
In-state tuition
$70,480
$57,056
Out-of-state tuition
$70,480
$57,056
Application fee
$65
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,086
$32,650
$30k - $48k
$1,570
$32,621
$48k - $75k
$17,478
$41,927
$75k - $110k
$23,639
$46,252
Over $110k
$47,521
$57,288
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
78%
Freshman retention
97%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,537
$42,799
Median earnings (10 yr)
$77,644
$62,832
Median debt at graduation
$13,740
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
16%
First-generation students
21%
13%
International students
13%
15%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 9
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 5
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Amherst College or Emerson College harder to get into?
Amherst College is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 51% at Emerson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Amherst College or Emerson College?
Amherst College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,367 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $49,180 at Emerson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Amherst College and Emerson College?
Before aid, Emerson College costs about $80,399 a year and Amherst College about $87,640. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Amherst College or Emerson College?
Amherst College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,086 there, against about $32,650 at Emerson College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Amherst College or Emerson College?
Emerson College is the larger of the two, with about 3,870 undergraduates against 1,911 at Amherst College.
Does Amherst College or Emerson College have a better graduation rate?
Amherst College has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 78% at Emerson College.
Do graduates of Amherst College or Emerson College earn more?
Amherst College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,644 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,832 for Emerson College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Amherst College and Emerson College require SAT or ACT scores?
Amherst College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Emerson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Amherst College and Emerson College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1580 at Amherst College and 1270–1420 at Emerson College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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