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Amherst College vs Northeastern University

Amherst College is a private college in Amherst, MA. Northeastern University is a private university in Boston, MA. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants and Amherst College about 9%, making Northeastern University 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 $30,915 at Northeastern University. About 94% of students graduate at Amherst College, compared with 90% at Northeastern University. Ten years after enrolling, Northeastern University alumni earn a median of about $92,538, against $77,644 for Amherst College.

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Amherst College

Amherst, MA · Private

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Amherst, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,911
17,326
Acceptance rate
9%
5%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1490–1580
1440–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,367
$30,915
Full cost / yr
$87,640
$84,641
In-state tuition
$70,480
$66,162
Out-of-state tuition
$70,480
$66,162
Application fee
$65
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,086
$2,264
$30k - $48k
$1,570
$2,436
$48k - $75k
$17,478
$5,301
$75k - $110k
$23,639
$16,241
Over $110k
$47,521
$47,696
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
90%
Freshman retention
97%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,537
$78,413
Median earnings (10 yr)
$77,644
$92,538
Median debt at graduation
$13,740
$24,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
12%
First-generation students
21%
19%
International students
13%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 9
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 5
Jan 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 Northeastern University harder to get into?
Northeastern University is harder to get into. It admits about 5% 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 Northeastern University?
Amherst College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,367 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,915 at Northeastern 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 Northeastern University?
Before aid, Northeastern University costs about $84,641 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 Northeastern University?
Amherst College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,086 there, against about $2,264 at Northeastern University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Amherst College or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University is the larger of the two, with about 17,326 undergraduates against 1,911 at Amherst College.
Does Amherst College or Northeastern University have a better graduation rate?
Amherst College has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 90% at Northeastern University.
Do graduates of Amherst College or Northeastern University earn more?
Northeastern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,538 ten years after enrolling, against about $77,644 for Amherst College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Amherst College and Northeastern University require SAT or ACT scores?
Amherst College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northeastern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Amherst College and Northeastern University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1580 at Amherst College and 1440–1540 at Northeastern University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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