Overview
Founded in 1970 as a bold experiment in undergraduate education, Hampshire College emerged from a collaborative planning effort among Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with which it shares the Five College Consortium. Hampshire rejected traditional structures like grades, majors, and departments in favor of student-designed concentrations, narrative evaluations, and a three-division curriculum culminating in an independent Division III thesis project. The college has become known for producing entrepreneurial, self-directed graduates and has a disproportionate reputation in fields like documentary film, social justice work, and the arts relative to its small size.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Amherst, Massachusetts |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Total students | 1,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 10:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 75% |
| Graduation rate | 63% |
| Average starting salary | $42,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $58,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $58,000 |
| Room & board | $15,500 |
| Average financial aid | $38,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1080-1300 |
| ACT range | 23-29 |
| Average GPA | 3.50 |
| Regular deadline | January 15 |
Top Programs
- Film, Photography & Video
- Environmental Studies
- Cognitive Science
- Creative Writing
- Social Justice & Activism
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.