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Amherst College vs Northwestern University

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

Amherst College
#24
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Private
Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Amherst, MA

Evanston, IL

Total Enrollment

1,914

23,856

Undergrad Enrollment

1,914

9,399

Student-Faculty Ratio

6:1

6:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

9.0%

7.7%

Average GPA

3.90

4.00

SAT Range

1490–1580

1510–1570

ACT Range

33–35

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$65

$75

Total Applicants

13,743

49,474


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,890

$83,517

Avg Net Price

$18,246

$27,143

Tuition (In-State)

$63,500

$62,391

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$63,500

$62,391

Room & Board

$18,390

$21,126

% Receiving Aid

59.0%

53.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$68,591

$64,429


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

87.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$77,644

$89,363

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Amherst is in Amherst, MA

Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

Amherst College has an acceptance rate of 9%, while Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. This means Northwestern University is more selective than Amherst College.

The average net price at Amherst College is $18,246 per year, compared to $27,143 at Northwestern University. Amherst College is $8,897 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Amherst College typically score between 1490-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Northwestern University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

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

Amherst College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while Northwestern University has a ratio of 6:1. Northwestern 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 Northwestern University, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,429.

The median earnings for Amherst College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $77,644, compared to $89,363 for Northwestern University graduates. Graduates from Northwestern 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. Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting.