Amherst College vs Hamilton College
Amherst College is extremely selective with a 9.8% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Hamilton College (11.8%). Both schools produce similar 10-year median earnings around $78,411. For families earning $48k–$75k, Hamilton College is more affordable at $10,863 net price vs $17,478. Students at Amherst College graduate with less debt ($13,740 vs $17,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Hamilton College has a higher yield rate (40.7%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1500, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Amherst, MA
Clinton, NY
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Amherst College is more affordable at $1,086 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $47,521 vs $46,907.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Amherst College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (22%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Amherst College
- 1 History$74,576
- 2 Economics$74,576
- 3 Mathematics$67,660
- 4 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics$67,101
- 5 Political Science and Government$48,432
Hamilton College
- 1 Economics$63,501
- 2 Mathematics$59,045
- 3 Political Science and Government$53,894
- 4 Chemistry$51,273
- 5 Public Policy Analysis$50,856
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Amherst College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 4 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- 5 Mathematics
Hamilton College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Mathematics
- 4 Political Science and Government
- 5 Computer and Information Sciences, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Amherst College
- International students12%
- Tuition (international)$59,890
- Est. total cost/year$76,340
- School typePublic
Hamilton College
- International students8%
- Tuition (international)$57,930
- Est. total cost/year$73,370
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Amherst College or Hamilton College?
Amherst College is more selective with a 9.8% acceptance rate, compared to 11.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Amherst College or Hamilton College?
Hamilton College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $78,411 compared to $77,644. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Amherst College or Hamilton College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Hamilton College has a lower net price at $10,863 per year vs $17,478. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Amherst College vs Hamilton College?
Amherst College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 93.7%, compared to 90.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Amherst College or Hamilton College?
Amherst College has a larger international student population at 12% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Amherst College and Hamilton College?
At Amherst College, History graduates earn a median of $74,576 within two years. At Hamilton College, the top-earning major is Economics at $63,501. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.