College Comparison
Amherst College vs Columbia University in the City of New York
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Amherst, MA
New York, NY
Total Enrollment
1,914
35,173
Undergrad Enrollment
1,914
9,164
Student-Faculty Ratio
6:1
6:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
9.0%
4.0%
Average GPA
3.90
4.00
SAT Range
1490–1580
1510–1580
ACT Range
33–35
34–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$85
Total Applicants
13,743
60,115
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$81,890
$79,569
Avg Net Price
$18,246
$22,000
Tuition (In-State)
$63,500
$61,989
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$63,500
$61,989
Room & Board
$18,390
$17,580
% Receiving Aid
59.0%
52.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$68,591
$67,010
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
94.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
88.0%
84.0%
Retention Rate
97.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$77,644
$102,491
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
Amherst is in Amherst, MA
Columbia in the City of New York is in New York, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Amherst College is $18,246 per year, compared to $22,000 at Columbia University in the City of New York. Amherst College is $3,754 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Amherst College typically score between 1490-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Columbia University in the City of New York, the typical SAT range is 1510-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Amherst College has a graduation rate of 94%, while Columbia University in the City of New York has a graduation rate of 92%. 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 Columbia University in the City of New York has a ratio of 6:1. Columbia University in the City of New York 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 Columbia University in the City of New York, 52% of students receive aid with an average grant of $67,010.
The median earnings for Amherst College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $77,644, compared to $102,491 for Columbia University in the City of New York graduates. Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York 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. Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY in a city: large setting.

