College Comparison
Amherst College vs St. Olaf College
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Amherst, MA
Northfield, MN
Total Enrollment
1,914
3,124
Undergrad Enrollment
1,914
3,124
Student-Faculty Ratio
6:1
11:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
9.0%
48.3%
Average GPA
3.90
3.74
SAT Range
1490–1580
1300–1470
ACT Range
33–35
28–32
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$0
Total Applicants
13,743
6,623
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$81,890
$68,280
Avg Net Price
$18,246
$22,752
Tuition (In-State)
$63,500
$54,650
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$63,500
$54,650
Room & Board
$18,390
$13,630
% Receiving Aid
59.0%
100.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$68,591
$45,098
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
94.0%
86.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
88.0%
82.0%
Retention Rate
97.0%
92.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$77,644
$65,543
More Comparisons
Compare Amherst with...
View Amherst profile →
Compare St. Olaf with...
View St. Olaf profile →
Explore by Location
Amherst is in Amherst, MA
St. Olaf is in Northfield, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Amherst College is $18,246 per year, compared to $22,752 at St. Olaf College. Amherst College is $4,506 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Amherst College typically score between 1490-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At St. Olaf College, the typical SAT range is 1300-1470. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Amherst College has a graduation rate of 94%, while St. Olaf College has a graduation rate of 86%. 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 St. Olaf College has a ratio of 11:1. 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 St. Olaf College, 100% of students receive aid with an average grant of $45,098.
The median earnings for Amherst College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $77,644, compared to $65,543 for St. Olaf College graduates. Graduates from Amherst College 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. St. Olaf College is located in Northfield, MN in a town: distant setting.

