Amherst vs. Caldwell University

Comparable Facts

Compare Amherst College in Amherst, MA with Caldwell University in Caldwell, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Caldwell University is larger than Amherst based on total student enrollment (2,005 students vs. 1,914 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Amherst College is located in Amherst, MA (Town Fringe setting); Caldwell University is in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Amherst College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Caldwell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Amherst College 6:1; Caldwell University 12:1.

Amherst vs. Caldwell University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Amherst or Caldwell University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Amherst College than Caldwell University ($19,049 vs. $21,875).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Caldwell University are 22.8% lower than at Amherst College ($14,188 vs. $18,390).
• Amherst College is 72.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caldwell University (about $29,632 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.5% higher at Amherst than at Caldwell University (about $29,632 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Caldwell University than at Amherst College (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Amherst College students is 112.1% larger than aid received by Caldwell University students ($68,591 vs. $32,340).

Amherst vs. Caldwell University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Amherst or Caldwell University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Caldwell University and Amherst.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Amherst College (1540) is 290 points higher than at Caldwell University (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 1490/1580; Caldwell University 1130/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Amherst - Test optional; Caldwell University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Amherst Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Amherst students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Caldwell University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than Amherst (9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Amherst vs. 8.5% at Caldwell University.

Amherst vs. Caldwell University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Amherst and Caldwell University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Amherst College's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from Amherst College earn a median of about $35,200 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,000 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Amherst College graduates have a $12,775 lower median loan debt than Caldwell University graduates ($12,975 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Amherst graduates have an estimated $132 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Caldwell University graduates ($134 vs. $266).
• More Amherst graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.