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Amherst College vs MCPHS University

Amherst College is a private college in Amherst, MA. MCPHS University is a private university in Boston, MA. Amherst College admits about 9% of applicants and MCPHS University about 85%, 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 $39,545 at MCPHS University. About 94% of students graduate at Amherst College, compared with 63% at MCPHS University. Ten years after enrolling, MCPHS University alumni earn a median of about $125,557, against $77,644 for Amherst College.

Amherst College

Amherst, MA · Private

MCPHS University

Boston, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Amherst, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,911
3,451
Acceptance rate
9%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
1490–1580
1160–1416
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
26–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,367
$39,545
Full cost / yr
$87,640
$65,022
In-state tuition
$70,480
$40,530
Out-of-state tuition
$70,480
$40,530
Application fee
$65
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,086
$35,206
$30k - $48k
$1,570
$36,228
$48k - $75k
$17,478
$38,376
$75k - $110k
$23,639
$42,536
Over $110k
$47,521
$43,470
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
63%
Freshman retention
97%
74%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,537
$77,171
Median earnings (10 yr)
$77,644
$125,557
Median debt at graduation
$13,740
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
30%
First-generation students
21%
30%
International students
13%
12%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 9
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 5
Feb 1

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 MCPHS University harder to get into?
Amherst College is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 85% at MCPHS 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 MCPHS University?
Amherst College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,367 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $39,545 at MCPHS 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 MCPHS University?
Before aid, MCPHS University costs about $65,022 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 MCPHS University?
Amherst College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,086 there, against about $35,206 at MCPHS University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Amherst College or MCPHS University?
MCPHS University is the larger of the two, with about 3,451 undergraduates against 1,911 at Amherst College.
Does Amherst College or MCPHS University have a better graduation rate?
Amherst College has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 63% at MCPHS University.
Do graduates of Amherst College or MCPHS University earn more?
MCPHS University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $125,557 ten years after enrolling, against about $77,644 for Amherst College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Amherst College and MCPHS University require SAT or ACT scores?
Amherst College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. MCPHS University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Amherst College and MCPHS University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1580 at Amherst College and 1160–1416 at MCPHS University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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