College Research

CollegesRankingsMajors

College Comparison

Amherst College vs Duke University

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

Amherst College
#24
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Private
Duke University
#6
Duke University
Durham, NC
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Amherst, MA

Durham, NC

Total Enrollment

1,914

17,499

Undergrad Enrollment

1,914

6,523

Student-Faculty Ratio

6:1

5:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

9.0%

5.7%

Average GPA

3.90

4.00

SAT Range

1490–1580

1500–1570

ACT Range

33–35

34–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$65

$85

Total Applicants

13,743

51,795


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,890

$78,563

Avg Net Price

$18,246

$34,454

Tuition (In-State)

$63,500

$60,435

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$63,500

$60,435

Room & Board

$18,390

$18,128

% Receiving Aid

59.0%

43.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$68,591

$65,522


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$77,644

$97,800

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Amherst is in Amherst, MA

Want to compare different schools?
Frequently Asked Questions

Amherst College has an acceptance rate of 9%, while Duke University has an acceptance rate of 6%. This means Duke University is more selective than Amherst College.

The average net price at Amherst College is $18,246 per year, compared to $34,454 at Duke University. Amherst College is $16,208 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Amherst College typically score between 1490-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Duke 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 Duke University has a graduation rate of 96%. Duke University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Amherst College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while Duke University has a ratio of 5:1. Duke University 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 Duke University, 43% of students receive aid with an average grant of $65,522.

The median earnings for Amherst College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $77,644, compared to $97,800 for Duke University graduates. Graduates from Duke 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. Duke University is located in Durham, NC in a city: large setting.