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Amherst College vs Smith College

Amherst College is a private college in Amherst, MA, and Smith College is a private college in Northampton, MA. Amherst College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 9% of applicants against 21% at Smith College. Amherst College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,367 a year against $27,579 at Smith College. About 94% of students graduate at Amherst College, compared with 89% at Smith College. Ten years after enrolling, Amherst College alumni earn a median of about $77,644, against $64,027 for Smith College.

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Amherst College

Amherst, MA · Private

Smith College

Northampton, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Amherst, MA
Northampton, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,911
2,544
Acceptance rate
9%
21%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1490–1580
1420–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
32–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,367
$27,579
Full cost / yr
$87,640
$86,030
In-state tuition
$70,480
$65,178
Out-of-state tuition
$70,480
$65,178
Application fee
$65
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,086
$1,363
$30k - $48k
$1,570
$3,737
$48k - $75k
$17,478
$6,559
$75k - $110k
$23,639
$11,750
Over $110k
$47,521
$40,477
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
89%
Freshman retention
97%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,537
$45,731
Median earnings (10 yr)
$77,644
$64,027
Median debt at graduation
$13,740
$17,550
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
18%
First-generation students
21%
19%
International students
13%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 9
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
Jan 15

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 Smith College harder to get into?
Amherst College is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 21% at Smith 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 Smith College?
Amherst College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,367 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,579 at Smith 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 Smith College?
Before aid, Smith College costs about $86,030 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 Smith College?
Amherst College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,086 there, against about $1,363 at Smith College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Amherst College or Smith College?
Smith College is the larger of the two, with about 2,544 undergraduates against 1,911 at Amherst College.
Does Amherst College or Smith College have a better graduation rate?
Amherst College has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 89% at Smith College.
Do graduates of Amherst College or Smith College earn more?
Amherst College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,644 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,027 for Smith College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Amherst College and Smith College require SAT or ACT scores?
Amherst College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Smith College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Amherst College and Smith College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1580 at Amherst College and 1420–1540 at Smith College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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