Amherst College vs Westfield State University
Amherst College is a private college in Amherst, MA, and Westfield State University is a public university in Westfield, MA. Amherst College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 9% of applicants against 81% at Westfield State University. Westfield State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,721 a year against $23,367 at Amherst College. About 94% of students graduate at Amherst College, compared with 55% at Westfield State University. Ten years after enrolling, Amherst College alumni earn a median of about $77,644, against $57,346 for Westfield State 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 Westfield State University harder to get into?
- Amherst College is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 81% at Westfield State 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 Westfield State University?
- Westfield State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,721 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,367 at Amherst 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 Westfield State University?
- Before aid, Westfield State University costs about $27,649 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 Westfield State University?
- Amherst College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,086 there, against about $10,751 at Westfield State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Amherst College or Westfield State University?
- Westfield State University is the larger of the two, with about 3,615 undergraduates against 1,911 at Amherst College.
- Does Amherst College or Westfield State University have a better graduation rate?
- Amherst College has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 55% at Westfield State University.
- Do graduates of Amherst College or Westfield State University earn more?
- Amherst College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,644 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,346 for Westfield State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Amherst College and Westfield State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Amherst College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Westfield State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Amherst College and Westfield State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1580 at Amherst College and 980–1190 at Westfield State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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