Overview
Founded in 1821 in Amherst, Massachusetts, Amherst College is one of the oldest and most prestigious liberal arts colleges in the United States. It was established initially to educate promising young men of limited financial means for the ministry, and has since evolved into a highly selective, secular institution renowned for its academic rigor and open curriculum, which has no distribution requirements beyond the first-year seminar. Amherst consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges nationally and is known for its strong alumni network, generous financial aid, and commitment to diversity and access.
At a Glance
| Type | Liberal Arts |
| Location | Amherst, Massachusetts |
| Founded | 1821 |
| Total students | 1,900 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 7:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 7% |
| Graduation rate | 96% |
| Average starting salary | $68,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $65,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $65,000 |
| Room & board | $16,460 |
| Average financial aid | $62,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 60% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1440-1560 |
| ACT range | 33-35 |
| Average GPA | 4.0 |
| Regular deadline | January 1 |
Top Programs
- Economics
- Political Science
- English
- Psychology
- Mathematics
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.