College Comparison
Amherst College vs University of South Carolina-Columbia: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
School
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Amherst | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 9.8%wins | 61.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1360–1550wins | 1180–1380 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 31–35wins | 26–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $67,280 | $34,934wins |
| Avg Net Price | $18,246wins | $24,532 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $77,644wins | $62,177 |
| Graduation Rate | 93.4%wins | 77.8% |
| Retention Rate | 96.8%wins | 90.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 7:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 1,907 | 28,113wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Amherst edges out South Carolina on 8 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Amherst Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 9.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1360–1550
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 31–35
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,246
South Carolina Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $34,934
- ✓Total Enrollment: 28,113
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.