Amherst College vs Harvard University
Amherst College is a private college in Amherst, MA, and Harvard University is a private university in Cambridge, MA. Harvard University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 9% at Amherst College. Harvard University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,066 a year against $23,367 at Amherst College. About 97% of students graduate at Harvard University, compared with 94% at Amherst College. Ten years after enrolling, Harvard University alumni earn a median of about $101,817, against $77,644 for Amherst College.
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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.
- Is Amherst College or Harvard University harder to get into?
- Harvard University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 9% at Amherst 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 Harvard University?
- Harvard University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,066 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,367 at Amherst 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 Harvard University?
- Before aid, Harvard University costs about $85,540 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 Harvard University?
- Amherst College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,086 there, against about $8,697 at Harvard University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Amherst College or Harvard University?
- Harvard University is the larger of the two, with about 7,601 undergraduates against 1,911 at Amherst College.
- Does Amherst College or Harvard University have a better graduation rate?
- Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 94% at Amherst College.
- Do graduates of Amherst College or Harvard University earn more?
- Harvard University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $101,817 ten years after enrolling, against about $77,644 for Amherst College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Amherst College and Harvard University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Amherst College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Harvard University requires SAT or ACT scores.
- What SAT scores do Amherst College and Harvard University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1580 at Amherst College and 1510–1580 at Harvard University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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