At schools with acceptance rates below 10%, nearly every applicant has near-perfect grades and test scores. Admissions decisions are driven by essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and institutional priorities — factors no stats-based model can predict. Our likelihood labels reflect academic competitiveness only.
Amherst College is one of the most prestigious liberal arts colleges in the nation, distinguished by its Open Curriculum that allows students to explore freely without distribution requirements. As a member of the Five College Consortium, Amherst students can cross-register at UMass Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Hampshire colleges.
Mascot: Mammoth
Notable Alumni
Calvin Coolidge (30th U.S. President)•Dan Brown (author of The Da Vinci Code)•David Foster Wallace (acclaimed novelist)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Athletics
Safety
Amherst College Police provide 24/7 campus coverage with building access control and escort services. The small student body and transparent reporting culture mean per-capita numbers can appear elevated.
The town of Amherst is a quiet, rural New England college community with crime rates well below national averages. The Five College Consortium area is peaceful and walkable.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Location
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