# Amherst College

Amherst, MA. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/amherst-college

Amherst College is a private nonprofit college in Amherst, MA with 1,911 undergraduates. It admits 9.0% of applicants, and admitted students average 1533 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $19,536 per year ($2,424 for families earning under $30,000). 93% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $95,161 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 9.0% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 12,727 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 1,250 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 740–780 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 750–800 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 33–35 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $90,670 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $19,536 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $2,424 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $3,063 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $13,814 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $17,999 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $49,700 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 1,911 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 93% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $95,161 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $13,250 (FY2024) |

## What Amherst College considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Considered
- College-prep coursework: Considered
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Required
- Recommendations: Required
- Demonstrated competencies: Considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Amherst College's acceptance rate?**

Amherst College admits 9.0% of applicants, which makes it extremely selective.

**What SAT score do you need for Amherst College?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 740–780 on SAT Reading and Writing and 750–800 on SAT Math; the average total is 1533.

**What ACT score do you need for Amherst College?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 33–35.

**Is Amherst College test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Amherst College?**

In Fall 2023, 12,727 students applied to Amherst College and 1,250 were admitted; 488 enrolled.

**Does Amherst College consider legacy status?**

No. Amherst College reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Amherst College require an essay?**

Amherst College reported that an essay or personal statement is required for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Amherst College cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $90,670 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $19,536.

**What is Amherst College's graduation rate?**

93% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 164465. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology