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Amherst College vs Lasell University

Amherst College is a private college in Amherst, MA, and Lasell University is a private university in Newton, MA. Amherst College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 9% of applicants against 81% at Lasell University. Amherst College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,367 a year against $27,511 at Lasell University. About 94% of students graduate at Amherst College, compared with 56% at Lasell University. Ten years after enrolling, Amherst College alumni earn a median of about $77,644, against $49,705 for Lasell University.

Amherst College

Amherst, MA · Private

Lasell University

Newton, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Amherst, MA
Newton, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,911
1,226
Acceptance rate
9%
81%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.33–3.83
SAT (middle 50%)
1490–1580
1030–1158
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
18–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,367
$27,511
Full cost / yr
$87,640
$42,434
In-state tuition
$70,480
$27,040
Out-of-state tuition
$70,480
$27,040
Application fee
$65
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,086
$18,334
$30k - $48k
$1,570
$17,631
$48k - $75k
$17,478
$25,139
$75k - $110k
$23,639
$29,359
Over $110k
$47,521
$32,947
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
56%
Freshman retention
97%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,537
$45,468
Median earnings (10 yr)
$77,644
$49,705
Median debt at graduation
$13,740
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
31%
First-generation students
21%
29%
International students
13%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 9
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 5
Rolling

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 Lasell University harder to get into?
Amherst College is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 81% at Lasell University. 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 Lasell University?
Amherst College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,367 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,511 at Lasell University. 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 Lasell University?
Before aid, Lasell University costs about $42,434 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 Lasell University?
Amherst College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,086 there, against about $18,334 at Lasell University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Amherst College or Lasell University?
Amherst College is the larger of the two, with about 1,911 undergraduates against 1,226 at Lasell University.
Does Amherst College or Lasell University have a better graduation rate?
Amherst College has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 56% at Lasell University.
Do graduates of Amherst College or Lasell University earn more?
Amherst College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,644 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,705 for Lasell University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Amherst College and Lasell University require SAT or ACT scores?
Amherst College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Lasell University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Amherst College and Lasell University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1580 at Amherst College and 1030–1158 at Lasell University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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