College Comparison
Harvard University vs Amherst College: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
School
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Harvard | Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 3.5%wins | 9.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580wins | 1360–1550 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–36wins | 31–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $59,076wins | $67,280 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,816wins | $18,246 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $101,817wins | $77,644 |
| Graduation Rate | 97.3%wins | 93.4% |
| Retention Rate | 98.6%wins | 96.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 7:1 | 7:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,755wins | 1,907 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Harvard edges out Amherst on 9 of 9 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.
Harvard Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 3.5%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1580
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–36
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $59,076
Amherst Strengths
- No clear advantages in available data
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