College Comparison
Northeastern 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
Northeastern University
Boston, MA
School
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Northeastern | Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 9.9% | 9.8%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1460–1550wins | 1360–1550 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35wins | 31–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $63,141wins | $67,280 |
| Avg Net Price | $32,116 | $18,246wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,538wins | $77,644 |
| Graduation Rate | 90.4% | 93.4%wins |
| Retention Rate | 97.5%wins | 96.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | 7:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 15,719wins | 1,907 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Northeastern edges out Amherst on 6 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.
Northeastern Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1460–1550
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $63,141
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,538
Amherst Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 9.8%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,246
- ✓Graduation Rate: 93.4%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.