Amherst College
Boltwood Avenue, Amherst, MA 01002
Amherst College is a prestigious private liberal arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts, known for its rigorous academics, open curriculum, and small, intimate campus community. Founded in 1821, the college exclusively offers undergraduate education with a focus on critical thinking, writing, and intellectual exploration across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Amherst students benefit from an unusually flexible academic structure—with no core requirements—allowing them to design personalized course plans while choosing from more than 40 majors and hundreds of courses. The college is highly selective, with a low acceptance rate and a strong reputation as one of the nation’s top liberal arts institutions. Students also have access to expanded opportunities through the Five College Consortium with nearby institutions like Mount Holyoke College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, broadening academic and social experiences. Amherst’s close‑knit community, emphasis on research and leadership, and historic legacy make it a sought‑after destination for academically driven undergraduates.
💰 Financial Aid
- Financial Aid: Amherst meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students; many students receive significant aid or graduate with little to no debt. Money
🏅 Reputation
- Rankings: Consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the U.S. and known for intellectual rigor, flexibility, and academic excellence. Encyclopedia Britannica
- Alumni: Includes notable leaders, scholars, Nobel laureates, Pulitzer winners, and a U.S. president (Calvin Coolidge). AdmissionSight
🏀 Athletics & Life
- Athletics: Competes in NCAA Division III as the Amherst Mammoths. Wikipedia
- Student Life: Strong residential community with over 150 student organizations and active engagement in research, arts, and study abroad.
Key Dates (Cycle)
- November 1, 2025: Early Decision Application Deadline.
- November 1, 2025: Financial Aid Priority Deadline (FAFSA/CSS Profile).
- January 5, 2026: Regular Decision Application Deadline.
- Late March 2026: Admission decisions released.
- May 1, 2026: National Candidates Reply Date (Enrollment Deposit).
Admission Requirements
- Application: Common App, QuestBridge, or Coalition on Scoir ($75 fee or waiver).
- GPA: No minimum, but 90% of admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class.
- Test-Optional: Amherst is Test-Optional for the current cycle. If submitted, mid-50% scores are typically 1480–1570 (SAT) and 33–35 (ACT).
- Required Materials: School Report, Counselor Recommendation, and two Teacher Recommendations from core subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, or Foreign Language).
- Writing Supplement: One required essay from a list of prompts.
| Program Level | Annual Cost of Attendance |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $93,000.00 - $96,000.00 |
Admission Requirements
- Application: Common App, QuestBridge, or Coalition on Scoir ($75 fee or waiver).
- GPA: No minimum, but 90% of admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class.
- Test-Optional: Amherst is Test-Optional for the current cycle. If submitted, mid-50% scores are typically 1480–1570 (SAT) and 33–35 (ACT).
- Required Materials: School Report, Counselor Recommendation, and two Teacher Recommendations from core subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, or Foreign Language).
- Writing Supplement: One required essay from a list of prompts.
| Level | Web Page | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | View Programs | — |