College Comparison
Michigan State 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
Michigan State
East Lansing, MI
School
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Michigan State | Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 83.9% | 9.8%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1150–1350 | 1360–1550wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 26–31 | 31–35wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $43,372wins | $67,280 |
| Avg Net Price | $20,751 | $18,246wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $67,253 | $77,644wins |
| Graduation Rate | 82.2% | 93.4%wins |
| Retention Rate | 91.4% | 96.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 7:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 40,243wins | 1,907 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Amherst edges out Michigan State 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.
Michigan State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $43,372
- ✓Total Enrollment: 40,243
Amherst Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 9.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1360–1550
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 31–35
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,246
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.