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Hampshire College vs Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Hampshire College is a private college in Amherst, MA, and Massachusetts College of Art and Design is a public college in Boston, MA. Hampshire College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 75% of applicants against 76% at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Hampshire College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,034 a year against $24,100 at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. About 69% of students graduate at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, compared with 56% at Hampshire College. Ten years after enrolling, Hampshire College alumni earn a median of about $46,938, against $43,582 for Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

Hampshire College

Amherst, MA · Private

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Boston, MA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Amherst, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
839
1,831
Acceptance rate
75%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.41–3.91
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1020–1260
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
Test policy
Test blind
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,034
$24,100
Full cost / yr
$74,195
$34,239
In-state tuition
$58,896
$15,400
Out-of-state tuition
$58,896
$43,400
Application fee
$0
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,749
$16,351
$30k - $48k
$15,251
$17,636
$48k - $75k
$18,165
$18,513
$75k - $110k
$25,447
$26,265
Over $110k
$37,221
$31,882
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
69%
Freshman retention
78%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$22,195
$27,090
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,938
$43,582
Median debt at graduation
$26,893
$25,755
Student body
Pell grant recipients
39%
30%
First-generation students
14%
23%
International students
5%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 Hampshire College or Massachusetts College of Art and Design harder to get into?
Hampshire College is harder to get into. It admits about 75% of applicants, compared with 76% at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Hampshire College or Massachusetts College of Art and Design?
Hampshire College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,034 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,100 at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. 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 Hampshire College and Massachusetts College of Art and Design?
Before aid, Massachusetts College of Art and Design costs about $34,239 a year and Hampshire College about $74,195. 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, Hampshire College or Massachusetts College of Art and Design?
Hampshire College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,749 there, against about $16,351 at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Hampshire College or Massachusetts College of Art and Design?
Massachusetts College of Art and Design is the larger of the two, with about 1,831 undergraduates against 839 at Hampshire College.
Does Hampshire College or Massachusetts College of Art and Design have a better graduation rate?
Massachusetts College of Art and Design has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 56% at Hampshire College.
Do graduates of Hampshire College or Massachusetts College of Art and Design earn more?
Hampshire College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $46,938 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,582 for Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Hampshire College and Massachusetts College of Art and Design require SAT or ACT scores?
Hampshire College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Massachusetts College of Art and Design is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

Related comparisons

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