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Amherst College vs Suffolk University

Amherst College is a private college in Amherst, MA, and Suffolk University is a private university in Boston, MA. Amherst College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 9% of applicants against 82% at Suffolk University. Amherst College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,367 a year against $29,618 at Suffolk University. About 94% of students graduate at Amherst College, compared with 60% at Suffolk University. Ten years after enrolling, Amherst College alumni earn a median of about $77,644, against $67,506 for Suffolk University.

Amherst College

Amherst, MA · Private

Suffolk University

Boston, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Amherst, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,911
4,268
Acceptance rate
9%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1490–1580
1090–1300
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
24–28
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,367
$29,618
Full cost / yr
$87,640
$65,281
In-state tuition
$70,480
$47,550
Out-of-state tuition
$70,480
$47,550
Application fee
$65
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,086
$24,745
$30k - $48k
$1,570
$25,711
$48k - $75k
$17,478
$25,702
$75k - $110k
$23,639
$29,654
Over $110k
$47,521
$36,264
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
60%
Freshman retention
97%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,537
$55,856
Median earnings (10 yr)
$77,644
$67,506
Median debt at graduation
$13,740
$26,889
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 15
Regular decision
Jan 5
Feb 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 Suffolk University harder to get into?
Amherst College is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 82% at Suffolk 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 Suffolk University?
Amherst College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,367 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,618 at Suffolk 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 Suffolk University?
Before aid, Suffolk University costs about $65,281 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 Suffolk University?
Amherst College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,086 there, against about $24,745 at Suffolk University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Amherst College or Suffolk University?
Suffolk University is the larger of the two, with about 4,268 undergraduates against 1,911 at Amherst College.
Does Amherst College or Suffolk University have a better graduation rate?
Amherst College has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 60% at Suffolk University.
Do graduates of Amherst College or Suffolk University earn more?
Amherst College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,644 ten years after enrolling, against about $67,506 for Suffolk University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Amherst College and Suffolk University require SAT or ACT scores?
Amherst College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Suffolk University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Amherst College and Suffolk University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1580 at Amherst College and 1090–1300 at Suffolk 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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