Amherst College

Overview

Amherst College, established in 1821 and located in Amherst, Massachusetts, is a prominent liberal arts institution situated in a suburban town within the picturesque Pioneer Valley, approximately 90 miles from Boston. The private undergraduate college emphasizes a comprehensive and rigorous education across a wide range of disciplines, with notable strength in political science, economics, and research sciences. Amherst is distinguished by its open curriculum, allowing students exceptional flexibility in their academic pursuits without the constraint of core requirements. The college's campus, reflecting a blend of traditional and contemporary architecture, provides a serene educational environment and includes on-campus housing options for the majority of its student body. Known for its highly selective admissions process, Amherst maintains an intimate learning atmosphere with small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio. While not predominantly recognized for athletics, the college competes in the NCAA Division III as the Amherst Mammoths, emphasizing a balance between academic achievement and athletic participation.

In the most recent statistical year 14,864 prospective students applied, and 1,079 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 467 enrolled in the school.  1,898 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 0 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $63,500 plus fees of $600. Amherst is ranked 16 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.