Amherst, a traditionally top-ranked liberal arts school, has many qualities that set it apart among small elite colleges. Unlike most top schools, which dictate a variety of basic core classes that lowerclassmen must take, Amherst has no required courses, except for a first-year seminar emphasizing writing and critical thinking. A consortium with nearby schools University of Massachusetts, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke and Smith allows students to cross-register for courses for no additional fee.
The college is known for its commitment to teaching and close interaction between professors and students, boasting a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. Amherst is one of a small group of schools that pledge to meet 100% of every student's demonstrated financial need. The result? Students with family incomes below $141,000 typically get a scholarship of at least $60,000, while those with incomes below $67,500 get a full ride.
With fewer than 2,000 students, Amherst's campus offers an intimate experience; 45% of its students also take part in study abroad programs in places like Paris, Cairo and Sri Lanka. In addition to its nearly 200-year-old campus, Amherst maintains a 500-acre wildlife sanctuary with wetlands and woodlands.
Sports have always been popular on campus, especially competitions between Amherst and friendly rival Williams College. The annual football game between the two Division III schools is known as the Biggest Little Game in America, a hat tip to the "Big Game" played annually by rivals Stanford and UC Berkeley.
Notes: Prices reflect in-state charges for public universities. Students who get merit grants are full-time undergraduates who had no financial need and were awarded grants. Graduation rate measures degree completion within six years for both transfer students and first-time students. Early career earnings are the median earnings for both graduates and non-completers, 10 years after they first enrolled.
Sources: U.S. Department of Education, Peterson’s, Money/Witlytic calculations.
Amherst College tuition and fees
Estimated cost and due date
The cost of tuition and fees at Amherst College is $66,650, and you should also factor in room and board, books, and living expenses. The due date for Fall is August 04, 2023, but it's always a good idea to check the university's official calendar or your student portal for any changes. Late payments may incur extra charges.
If the cost is causing you stress, that's understandable — college can be expensive, but there are a variety of financial aid sources you can use, such as student loans, grants, and scholarships. Here is a brief overview of the available options; for a more comprehensive guide, read our How to Pay for College article.
Exploring financial aid options at Amherst College
Scholarships and grants
The average grant aid for undergraduates at Amherst College is $57,953, and is composed of awards from federal, state, local and college programs. A quarter of the students at Amherst College receive a Pell Grant, which is a federal grant given to those with lower incomes. To be eligible for Pell Grants and other types of financial aid, you need to fill out the FAFSA.
State grants
Most states have a program to assist students with college expenses. Generally, these awards are only available to those who are studying in the same state, but it is worth verifying the eligibility criteria of your home state. For example, in Massachusetts, residents are eligible for the Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant, as well as other programs.
University scholarships, aka institutional aid
Colleges are known to distribute two types of financial aid. Need-based aid is allocated depending on financial situation, while merit-based aid encompasses all awards excluding those that are dependent on financial requirements. Merit scholarships could be based on academics, artistry, leadership ability and numerous other attributes. At Amherst College, the average scholarship award is $57,022 with 60% of incoming freshmen receiving a scholarship from the college.
External scholarships
Don't forget to search for external scholarships too. There are many local organizations that provide scholarships to assist students with college costs, and some scholarships have year-round deadlines so you can get funds after you've enrolled. Check out our guide on college grants and scholarships to find out more about the various types of gift aid.
Student loans
Federal student loans
Federal student loans are a popular type of borrowing that can be utilized for educational purposes. These loans are provided by the government and come with comparatively low rates of interest and flexible payment terms.
Private student loans
Private student loans are an alternate choice. Banks and credit unions are some of the private lenders that offer them. They can be used to cover the costs not taken care of by federal loans, but they usually have higher interest rates and less flexible repayment plans.
How to pay tuition bills at Amherst College
If you are awarded a loan, grant or scholarship, the funds will usually be sent directly to the university. You will need to cover the remaining balance. You can pay your tuition online at https://www.amherst.edu/.
The data included in this page contains data published in university sites, government public records and other vetted sources as of June 23, 2023. Be advised to validate this information with the university registrar or financial office.
This content was created with the assistance of AI technology and has been reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Money's editorial staff.
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