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Hampshire College vs Merrimack College

Hampshire College is a private college in Amherst, MA, and Merrimack College is a private college in North Andover, MA. Merrimack College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 70% of applicants against 75% at Hampshire College. Hampshire College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,034 a year against $37,927 at Merrimack College. About 71% of students graduate at Merrimack College, compared with 56% at Hampshire College. Ten years after enrolling, Merrimack College alumni earn a median of about $75,584, against $46,938 for Hampshire College.

Hampshire College

Amherst, MA · Private

Merrimack College

North Andover, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Amherst, MA
North Andover, MA
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
839
3,916
Acceptance rate
75%
70%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.43–3.93
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1070–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
26–32
Test policy
Test blind
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,034
$37,927
Full cost / yr
$74,195
$70,038
In-state tuition
$58,896
$53,962
Out-of-state tuition
$58,896
$53,962
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,749
$31,710
$30k - $48k
$15,251
$29,417
$48k - $75k
$18,165
$31,962
$75k - $110k
$25,447
$36,045
Over $110k
$37,221
$41,050
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
71%
Freshman retention
78%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$22,195
$54,316
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,938
$75,584
Median debt at graduation
$26,893
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
39%
16%
First-generation students
14%
21%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 15
Early action
Dec 1
Nov 15
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 Merrimack College harder to get into?
Merrimack College is harder to get into. It admits about 70% of applicants, compared with 75% at Hampshire 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, Hampshire College or Merrimack College?
Hampshire College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,034 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $37,927 at Merrimack 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 Hampshire College and Merrimack College?
Before aid, Merrimack College costs about $70,038 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 Merrimack College?
Hampshire College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,749 there, against about $31,710 at Merrimack College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Hampshire College or Merrimack College?
Merrimack College is the larger of the two, with about 3,916 undergraduates against 839 at Hampshire College.
Does Hampshire College or Merrimack College have a better graduation rate?
Merrimack College has the higher graduation rate, at about 71% against 56% at Hampshire College.
Do graduates of Hampshire College or Merrimack College earn more?
Merrimack College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,584 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,938 for Hampshire College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Hampshire College and Merrimack College require SAT or ACT scores?
Hampshire College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Merrimack College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

Related comparisons

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