Amherst College vs Wheaton College (Massachusetts)
Amherst College is a private college in Amherst, MA, and Wheaton College (Massachusetts) is a private college in Norton, MA. Amherst College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 9% of applicants against 68% at Wheaton College (Massachusetts). Amherst College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,367 a year against $29,822 at Wheaton College (Massachusetts). About 94% of students graduate at Amherst College, compared with 74% at Wheaton College (Massachusetts). Ten years after enrolling, Amherst College alumni earn a median of about $77,644, against $67,725 for Wheaton College (Massachusetts).
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Amherst, MA
Norton, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,911
1,773
Acceptance rate
9%
68%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1490–1580
1220–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
29–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,367
$29,822
Full cost / yr
$87,640
$79,311
In-state tuition
$70,480
$63,960
Out-of-state tuition
$70,480
$63,960
Application fee
$65
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,086
$20,076
$30k - $48k
$1,570
$21,528
$48k - $75k
$17,478
$28,299
$75k - $110k
$23,639
$28,639
Over $110k
$47,521
$33,956
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
74%
Freshman retention
97%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,537
$51,607
Median earnings (10 yr)
$77,644
$67,725
Median debt at graduation
$13,740
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
22%
First-generation students
21%
15%
International students
13%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 9
Nov 15
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.
- Is Amherst College or Wheaton College (Massachusetts) harder to get into?
- Amherst College is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 68% at Wheaton College (Massachusetts). 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 Wheaton College (Massachusetts)?
- Amherst College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,367 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,822 at Wheaton College (Massachusetts). 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 Wheaton College (Massachusetts)?
- Before aid, Wheaton College (Massachusetts) costs about $79,311 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 Wheaton College (Massachusetts)?
- Amherst College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,086 there, against about $20,076 at Wheaton College (Massachusetts). Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Amherst College or Wheaton College (Massachusetts)?
- Amherst College is the larger of the two, with about 1,911 undergraduates against 1,773 at Wheaton College (Massachusetts).
- Does Amherst College or Wheaton College (Massachusetts) have a better graduation rate?
- Amherst College has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 74% at Wheaton College (Massachusetts).
- Do graduates of Amherst College or Wheaton College (Massachusetts) earn more?
- Amherst College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,644 ten years after enrolling, against about $67,725 for Wheaton College (Massachusetts). Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Amherst College and Wheaton College (Massachusetts) require SAT or ACT scores?
- Amherst College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wheaton College (Massachusetts) is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Amherst College and Wheaton College (Massachusetts) look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1580 at Amherst College and 1220–1390 at Wheaton College (Massachusetts). A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Amherst College vs Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyAmherst College vs Williams CollegeAmherst College vs Wellesley CollegeWheaton College (Massachusetts) vs Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyWheaton College (Massachusetts) vs Williams CollegeWheaton College (Massachusetts) vs Wellesley College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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