Amherst College
Amherst: Minds engaged, futures forged.
📍 Amherst, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #2 in United States · ARWU #901
Quick Facts about Amherst College
- Type: Private Non-Profit
- Students: 1,914
- International: 13%
- Campus: Rural
- Tuition: $66,632 – $67,280/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
- Intakes: September
About Amherst College
Academics
Amherst College offers 41 fields of study and over 850 courses across the sciences, arts, humanities, mathematics, computer sciences, and social sciences. The college features an open curriculum, allowing students to design their own interdisciplinary majors and pursue their intellectual passions without core curriculum or distribution requirements. Notable programs include Economics, English, Law, Neuroscience, and Environmental Studies. The teaching approach emphasizes small class sizes, with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and professors who are deeply invested in student success and research.
International Students
Amherst College boasts a diverse student body, with approximately 13% international students from over 70 countries. The Center for International Student Engagement (CISE) provides comprehensive support, including advocacy, resources, and community-building opportunities for international students. The Office of Immigration Services (OIS) offers visa and immigration support, employment guidance, and assistance with maintaining student status. The International Students Association (ISA) organizes cultural events and workshops, catering to the needs of international students from arrival through their academic year.
Campus & Location
Amherst College's scenic 1,000-acre campus is located in Amherst, Massachusetts, a town of 35,000 people with a vibrant downtown. The campus fosters a close-knit community, with almost all students living on campus for all four years. Amherst is part of the Five College Consortium, allowing students to take courses and participate in activities at nearby Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Transportation options include free bus services within the consortium and an escort service on campus called Safe Ride.
Career Outcomes
Amherst College's Loeb Center for Career Exploration and Planning provides extensive resources and advising for internships, networking, and job searches. Graduates are highly sought after by top employers such as Amherst College itself, Massachusetts General Hospital, Bain & Company, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. The college also has strong alumni connections, which are leveraged for career opportunities and mentorship. While not traditionally known for it, there is a growing interest in entrepreneurship and a student-led initiative, "Ideas to Innovation (i2i)," supports students in developing startup ideas.
Information for International Students at Amherst College
Amherst College in Amherst, United States welcomes international students, with 13% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 13% of students are international
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for Amherst College
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Amherst College:
- IELTS minimum: 7.5
- TOEFL minimum: 100
- Duolingo minimum: 130
- GPA minimum: 3.8
- Application fee: $75
- Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
- Application deadline: January 5
Programs at Amherst College (28 programs)
Amherst College offers 28 programs across Bachelor levels.
Bachelor Programs (28)
- Architectural Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
An interdisciplinary program exploring the history, theory, and practice of architecture. Graduates often pursue graduate studies in architecture, urban planning, historic preservation, or design.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Graduate studies in architecture, urban planning, historic preservation, design
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Biochemistry & Biophysics (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Explores the chemical and physical principles underlying biological processes. Career opportunities include biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medicine.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medicine
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Classics (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
The study of the languages, literatures, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. Graduates pursue careers in education, research, law, writing, and cultural heritage.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Education, research, law, writing, cultural heritage
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Asian American & Pacific Islander Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
Explores the experiences, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Graduates find roles in advocacy, community organizing, education, public policy, and cultural institutions.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Advocacy, community organizing, education, public policy, cultural institutions
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Black Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
Examines the histories, cultures, and political experiences of people of African descent. Career paths include education, social justice, public policy, arts and culture, and community development.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Education, social justice, public policy, arts and culture, community development
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Economics (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
The study of how societies allocate scarce resources to satisfy unlimited wants. Graduates find careers in finance, consulting, public policy, data analysis, and research.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Finance, consulting, public policy, data analysis, research
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Film & Media Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
Analyzes film, television, and other media forms within cultural, historical, and theoretical contexts. Career paths include film production, media analysis, journalism, marketing, and arts administration.
Field: Arts
Career outcomes: Film production, media analysis, journalism, marketing, arts administration
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - History (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
The study of past events, societies, and cultures. Graduates find careers in education, law, journalism, archival work, and public history.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Education, law, journalism, archival work, public history
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Music (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
The study of music theory, history, composition, and performance. Career outcomes include performance, composition, music education, music therapy, and arts administration.
Field: Arts
Career outcomes: Performance, composition, music education, music therapy, arts administration
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Art & the History of Art (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
Combines studio art practice with the historical and critical study of art. Career paths include art curation, conservation, art education, studio artist, and graphic design.
Field: Arts
Career outcomes: Art curation, conservation, art education, studio artist, graphic design
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Biology (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
The scientific study of life and living organisms. Graduates pursue careers in medicine, research, environmental science, conservation, and education.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Medicine, research, environmental science, conservation, education
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Computer Science (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
The study of computation and information, including theoretical foundations, algorithms, and programming. Career outcomes include software development, data science, cybersecurity, research, and IT.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software development, data science, cybersecurity, research, IT
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - European Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
Explores the history, cultures, politics, and societies of Europe. Graduates find careers in international relations, diplomacy, journalism, education, and business in Europe.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: International relations, diplomacy, journalism, education, business in Europe
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Greek (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
The study of ancient Greek language and literature. Career paths include education, research, theology, and classical studies.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Education, research, theology, classical studies
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Mathematics (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
The study of quantity, structure, space, and change. Graduates pursue careers in actuarial science, data analysis, finance, education, and research.
Field: Mathematics
Career outcomes: Actuarial science, data analysis, finance, education, research
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Asian Languages & Civilizations (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
Focuses on the languages, literatures, cultures, and histories of various Asian regions. Career opportunities include international relations, diplomacy, translation, education, and business in Asia.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: International relations, diplomacy, translation, education, business in Asia
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Chemistry (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
The scientific study of the properties and behavior of matter. Graduates find careers in chemical research, pharmaceuticals, materials science, and environmental analysis.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Chemical research, pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental analysis
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Education Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
Examines the theories, policies, and practices of education in various contexts. Career paths include teaching, educational policy, curriculum development, and non-profit work.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Teaching, educational policy, curriculum development, non-profit work
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - French (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
The study of French language, literature, and cultures. Graduates pursue careers in education, translation, international business, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Education, translation, international business, diplomacy, cultural exchange
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Latin (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
The study of Latin language and literature. Career paths include education, research, law, and classical studies.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Education, research, law, classical studies
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Astronomy (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
The scientific study of celestial objects, space, and the physical universe. Graduates can pursue careers in research, observatory work, science communication, and the aerospace industry.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Research, observatory work, science communication, aerospace industry
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Classical Civilization (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
Focuses on the cultures, societies, and histories of ancient Greece and Rome. Career paths include education, museum work, archaeology, law, and journalism.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Education, museum work, archaeology, law, journalism
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - English (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
The study of literature, language, and writing in English. Graduates pursue careers in writing, editing, publishing, journalism, law, and education.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Writing, editing, publishing, journalism, law, education
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Geology (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
The scientific study of Earth, its materials, processes, and history. Career outcomes include environmental consulting, geological surveying, natural resource management, and research.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Environmental consulting, geological surveying, natural resource management, research
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Latinx and Latin American Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
Explores the cultures, histories, and political experiences of Latinx communities and Latin America. Graduates find roles in advocacy, community organizing, education, public policy, and international development.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Advocacy, community organizing, education, public policy, international development
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Environmental Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
An interdisciplinary field examining human interactions with the natural environment. Career outcomes include environmental policy, conservation, sustainability, advocacy, and research.
Field: Interdisciplinary Studies
Career outcomes: Environmental policy, conservation, sustainability, advocacy, research
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - German (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
The study of German language, literature, and cultures. Graduates pursue careers in education, translation, international business, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Education, translation, international business, diplomacy, cultural exchange
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision - Law, Jurisprudence & Social Thought (LJST) (BA) — 48 months · English · $73,140/yr · Scholarship available
An interdisciplinary examination of law as a cultural, historical, and philosophical phenomenon. Career outcomes include law school, public policy, journalism, academia, and social justice.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Law school, public policy, journalism, academia, social justice
Deadline: typically early January for regular decision
Scholarships & Tuition at Amherst College
Annual tuition for international students: $66,632 – $67,280/year
✅ Amherst College offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Amherst College
- National Ranking: #2 in United States
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #901
- Ranking tier: Research University
Campus & Facilities at Amherst College
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Rural
- Average class size: 16
Key Highlights
- Highly selective liberal arts college
- Open curriculum, student-designed majors
- Diverse, global student body
- Strong international student support
- Scenic campus, vibrant town
- Close-knit undergraduate community
Accreditation
- NECHE
Notable Alumni
- David Foster Wallace
- Calvin Coolidge
- Dan Brown
- Henry Ward Beecher
- Charles H. Houston
Frequently Asked Questions about Amherst College
What is Amherst College?
Amherst College is a private non-profit university located in Amherst, United States. It has approximately 1,914 students, with 13% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at Amherst College?
Tuition fees at Amherst College for international students range from $66,632 – $67,280/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Amherst College?
IELTS minimum: 7.5. TOEFL minimum: 100. Duolingo minimum: 130. GPA minimum: 3.8. Application fee: $75. Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%). Application deadline: January 5.
What language are courses taught in at Amherst College?
Courses at Amherst College are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 7.5.
How many programs does Amherst College offer?
Amherst College offers 28 programs: 28 Bachelor's, 0 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Amherst College ranked?
#2 in United States · ARWU #901.
Does Amherst College offer scholarships?
Yes, Amherst College offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Amherst College provide visa support?
Yes, Amherst College provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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