Amherst College vs Northeastern University
Northeastern University is extremely selective with a 5.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Amherst College (9.8%). Graduates of Northeastern University earn $8,219 more per year at the 10-year mark ($79,786 vs $71,567). For families earning $48k–$75k, Amherst College is more affordable at $7,793 net price vs $18,389. Students at Amherst College graduate with less debt ($13,800 vs $24,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
Northeastern University has a higher yield rate (50.3%), 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.
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 $4,468 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $50,268 vs $43,276.
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 Economics$74,576
- 2 History$74,576
- 3 Mathematics$67,660
- 4 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics$67,101
- 5 Political Science and Government$48,432
Northeastern University
- 1 Computer Engineering$89,564
- 2 Computer and Information Sciences, General$89,413
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$76,773
- 4 Chemical Engineering$72,022
- 5 Industrial Engineering$66,541
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 Mathematics
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 English Language and Literature, General
Northeastern University
- 1 Business/Commerce, General
- 2 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 3 Mechanical Engineering
- 4 Health and Medical Administrative Services
- 5 Economics
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
Northeastern University
- International students39%
- Tuition (international)$54,360
- Est. total cost/year$72,932
- 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.
- With 39% international enrollment, Northeastern University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Amherst College or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University is more selective with a 5.7% acceptance rate, compared to 9.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Amherst College or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $79,786 compared to $71,567. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Amherst College or Northeastern University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Amherst College has a lower net price at $7,793 per year vs $18,389. 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 Northeastern University?
Amherst College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 94.7%, compared to 89.8%. 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 Northeastern University?
Northeastern University has a larger international student population at 39% 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 Northeastern University?
At Amherst College, Economics graduates earn a median of $74,576 within two years. At Northeastern University, the top-earning major is Computer Engineering at $89,564. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.