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Amherst College vs Cornell University

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

Amherst College
#24
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Private
Cornell University
#21
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Amherst, MA

Ithaca, NY

Total Enrollment

1,914

26,793

Undergrad Enrollment

1,914

16,128

Student-Faculty Ratio

6:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

9.0%

8.8%

Average GPA

3.90

4.00

SAT Range

1490–1580

1500–1570

ACT Range

33–35

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$65

$80

Total Applicants

13,743

62,993


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,890

$81,884

Avg Net Price

$18,246

$32,337

Tuition (In-State)

$63,500

$62,456

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$63,500

$62,456

Room & Board

$18,390

$19,428

% Receiving Aid

59.0%

48.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$68,591

$61,779


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

91.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$77,644

$104,043

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Amherst is in Amherst, MA

Cornell is in Ithaca, NY

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The average net price at Amherst College is $18,246 per year, compared to $32,337 at Cornell University. Amherst College is $14,091 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Amherst College typically score between 1490-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Cornell University, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Amherst College has a graduation rate of 94%, while Cornell University has a graduation rate of 96%. Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Amherst College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while Cornell University has a ratio of 9:1. 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 Cornell University, 48% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,779.

The median earnings for Amherst College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $77,644, compared to $104,043 for Cornell University graduates. Graduates from Cornell 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. Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY in a city: small setting.