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Amherst College vs Boston University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Amherst College
#24
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Private
Boston University
#60
Boston University
Boston, MA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Amherst, MA

Boston, MA

Total Enrollment

1,914

37,737

Undergrad Enrollment

1,914

18,805

Student-Faculty Ratio

6:1

10:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

9.0%

11.1%

Average GPA

3.90

3.79

SAT Range

1490–1580

1420–1530

ACT Range

33–35

32–34

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$65

$80

Total Applicants

13,743

78,769


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,890

$80,070

Avg Net Price

$18,246

$26,996

Tuition (In-State)

$63,500

$61,050

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$63,500

$61,050

Room & Board

$18,390

$19,020

% Receiving Aid

59.0%

49.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$68,591

$61,848


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

88.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

83.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

95.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$77,644

$83,238

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Amherst is in Amherst, MA

Boston is in Boston, MA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Amherst College has an acceptance rate of 9%, while Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%. This means Amherst College is more selective than Boston University.

The average net price at Amherst College is $18,246 per year, compared to $26,996 at Boston University. Amherst College is $8,750 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Amherst College typically score between 1490-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Boston University, the typical SAT range is 1420-1530. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Amherst College has a graduation rate of 94%, while Boston University has a graduation rate of 88%. Amherst College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Amherst College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while Boston University has a ratio of 10:1. Amherst College offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Amherst College, 59% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $68,591. At Boston University, 49% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,848.

The median earnings for Amherst College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $77,644, compared to $83,238 for Boston University graduates. Graduates from Boston University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Amherst College is located in Amherst, MA in a city: small setting. Boston University is located in Boston, MA in a city: large setting.