Cornell University vs Amherst College
Cornell University is extremely selective with a 8.2% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Amherst College (9.8%). Graduates of Cornell University earn $26,399 more per year at the 10-year mark ($104,043 vs $77,644). For families earning $48k–$75k, Amherst College is more affordable at $6,112 net price vs $8,129.
Admissions & Outcomes
Cornell University has a higher yield rate (66.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1520, 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 $1,888 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $51,735 vs $50,358.
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.
Cornell University
- 1 Computer Science$122,485
- 2 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$92,277
- 3 Mathematics$91,211
- 4 Operations Research$85,538
- 5 Chemical Engineering$83,351
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
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.
Cornell University
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Hospitality Administration/Management
- 3 Human Resources Management and Services
- 4 Agricultural Business and Management
- 5 Biology, General
Amherst College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 4 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- 5 Mathematics
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.
Cornell University
- International students26%
- Tuition (international)$58,586
- Est. total cost/year$75,038
- School typePublic
Amherst College
- International students12%
- Tuition (international)$59,890
- Est. total cost/year$76,340
- 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 26% international enrollment, Cornell University likely has a well-established international student community.
Get a Personalized College Comparison
We're building custom comparison reports with ROI analysis. Be the first to get yours.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Cornell University or Amherst College?
Cornell University is more selective with a 8.2% acceptance rate, compared to 9.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Cornell University or Amherst College?
Cornell University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $104,043 compared to $77,644. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Cornell University or Amherst College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Amherst College has a lower net price at $6,112 per year vs $8,129. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Cornell University vs Amherst College?
Cornell University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 95.1%, compared to 93.4%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Cornell University or Amherst College?
Cornell University has a larger international student population at 26% 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 Cornell University and Amherst College?
At Cornell University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $122,485 within two years. At Amherst College, the top-earning major is History at $74,576. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.