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College Comparison

Williams College 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

Williams College

Williamstown, MA

School

Amherst College

Amherst, MA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricWilliamsAmherst
Acceptance Rate10.0%9.8%wins
SAT Range (25th–75th)1470–1560wins1360–1550
ACT Range (25th–75th)33–35wins31–35
Tuition (Out-of-State)$64,860wins$67,280
Avg Net Price$14,852wins$18,246
Median Earnings (10 yr)$88,665wins$77,644
Graduation Rate96.5%wins93.4%
Retention Rate96.5%96.8%wins
Student–Faculty Ratio6:1wins7:1
Total Enrollment2,060wins1,907

Verdict

Based on the data above, Williams edges out Amherst 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.

Williams Strengths

  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1470–1560
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $64,860
  • Avg Net Price: $14,852

Amherst Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 9.8%
  • Retention Rate: 96.8%

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