by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual’s Best for the Money Rankings compare the quality of a Amherst degree with its cost to decide whether the school is asking a fair price. Here is how Amherst measures up.
Amherst is ranked #1,448 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of D. Within Massachusetts, it ranks #16 of 85 for value.
Among the majors Amherst offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Latin American Studies | #12 of 39 |
| Asian Studies | #14 of 24 |
| American U.S. Studies | #15 of 45 |
| Area Studies | #26 of 63 |
| Political and Social Sciences | #26 of 63 |
| Biology | #37 of 179 |
| Other Research & Experimental Psychology | #37 of 109 |
| Psychology | #37 of 109 |
| African American Studies | #39 of 74 |
| Women's Studies | #42 of 74 |
Read the full Amherst value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
Amherst College is ranked #9 out of #96 in Massachusetts for quality and #16 out of #85 for Massachusetts value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the Amherst financial aid page to be sure.
Amherst College is ranked #1,448 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Amherst College is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Amherst costs about $47,791. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $191,163 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $87,640 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $23,367 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $47,791 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $191,163 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the Amherst net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Amherst degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $350,560 | — | — |
| All Students | $191,163 | #1,448 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $93,468 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $350,560 | — | — |
| All Students | $191,163 | #16 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $93,468 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Amherst shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $1,888 |
| $30K–$48K | $1,868 |
| $48K–$75K | $6,112 |
| $75K–$110K | $20,179 |
| Over $110K | $50,358 |
About 62% of Amherst undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $67,234 per year. Get more details on the Amherst financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the Amherst net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.