Amherst College vs Simmons University
Amherst College is a private college in Amherst, MA, and Simmons University is a private university in Boston, MA. Amherst College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 9% of applicants against 70% at Simmons University. Amherst College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,367 a year against $25,265 at Simmons University. About 94% of students graduate at Amherst College, compared with 72% at Simmons University. Ten years after enrolling, Amherst College alumni earn a median of about $77,644, against $63,494 for Simmons University.
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 Simmons University harder to get into?
- Amherst College is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 70% at Simmons 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 Simmons University?
- Amherst College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,367 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,265 at Simmons 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 Simmons University?
- Before aid, Simmons University costs about $63,460 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 Simmons University?
- Amherst College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,086 there, against about $18,027 at Simmons University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Amherst College or Simmons University?
- Amherst College is the larger of the two, with about 1,911 undergraduates against 1,670 at Simmons University.
- Does Amherst College or Simmons University have a better graduation rate?
- Amherst College has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 72% at Simmons University.
- Do graduates of Amherst College or Simmons University earn more?
- Amherst College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,644 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,494 for Simmons University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Amherst College and Simmons University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Amherst College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Simmons University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Amherst College and Simmons University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1580 at Amherst College and 1220–1390 at Simmons University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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