When choosing a college or university, it’s essential to consider various factors that may impact your decision. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between Amherst College and Cornell University, focusing on essential aspects such as cost, admissions, academics, and outcomes. In this way, we hope to help prospective students make an informed decision.
Amherst Overview
Amherst College is a private liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts. Established in 1821, it has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and a strong commitment to providing a well-rounded education. With an undergraduate enrollment of around 1,849 students, Amherst offers a tight-knit community and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, ensuring personalized attention and support for each student.
Amherst Costs & Tuition
The estimated total cost of attendance at Amherst for the 2021-2022 academic year is around $78,900, including tuition, fees, room, and board. However, Amherst is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, making it an affordable option for many families.
Amherst Admissions
Admissions at Amherst are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 11.8%. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1410 and 1560, and ACT scores between 31 and 34. Amherst values a strong academic background, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities when making admission decisions.
Amherst Degrees Offered
Amherst offers 40 different majors across various fields of study, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. A unique aspect of Amherst is its open curriculum, which allows students to design their academic path without any prescribed distribution requirements.
Amherst Academics
With a strong emphasis on undergraduate education, Amherst provides students with numerous opportunities to engage in research and independent study. The college also emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, which encourages students to explore connections between different fields of study.
Amherst Diversity
Amherst is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 45% of enrolled students identify as students of color, and the college has ongoing initiatives dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Amherst Students
Amherst students are known for their intellectual curiosity and active involvement in campus life. The college offers over 150 student-run clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and develop leadership skills.
Amherst Campus
The Amherst campus spans over 1,000 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. With its picturesque New England setting, students can enjoy a tranquil, scenic environment while still having access to nearby urban centers like Boston and New York City.
Amherst Alumni
Amherst boasts a strong alumni network, with notable figures in various fields such as politics, arts, and sciences. Some famous Amherst alumni include President Calvin Coolidge, poet Robert Frost, and novelist David Foster Wallace.
Amherst Rankings
Amherst consistently ranks highly in national liberal arts college rankings, often placing within the top 5. U.S. News & World Report ranked Amherst as the 2nd best liberal arts college in the United States for 2021.
Amherst Outcomes
Amherst graduates enjoy strong employment and graduate school outcomes, with approximately 93% of alumni reporting positive outcomes within six months of graduation.
Cornell University Overview
Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York. Founded in 1865, Cornell is known for its commitment to academic excellence, research opportunities, and diverse range of disciplines. With an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 15,182 students, Cornell is the largest of the Ivy League schools and offers a vibrant, bustling campus environment.
Cornell Costs & Tuition
The estimated total cost of attendance at Cornell for the 2021-2022 academic year is around $79,407, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Like Amherst, Cornell is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
Cornell Admissions
Cornell admissions are also highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 10.9%. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1410 and 1560, and ACT scores between 32 and 35. Cornell evaluates applicants based on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.
Cornell Degrees Offered
Cornell offers over 80 majors across seven undergraduate colleges, covering a diverse range of disciplines such as engineering, architecture, hotel administration, and agriculture. This wide array of options allows students to find a program that aligns with their interests and goals.
Cornell Academics
Cornell is renowned for its research opportunities and facilities, with undergraduate students often participating in cutting-edge research alongside faculty members. The university also emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage in internships, study abroad programs, and other hands-on experiences.
Cornell Diversity
Cornell values diversity and inclusion, with approximately 46% of enrolled students identifying as students of color. The university has numerous initiatives aimed at promoting an inclusive campus environment.
Cornell Students
Cornell students are known for their academic drive, strong work ethic, and participation in a wide range of extracurricular activities. The university is home to over 1,000 student-run clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for engagement and leadership development.
Cornell Campus
Cornell’s campus is located in the scenic Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, offering a beautiful, natural setting for students to enjoy. The campus encompasses over 2,300 acres and features a blend of historic and modern architecture.
Cornell Alumni
Cornell’s extensive alumni network spans across various industries and includes notable figures such as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, author Toni Morrison, and astronaut Mae Jemison.
Cornell Rankings
Cornell consistently ranks highly in national university rankings, with U.S. News & World Report ranking it as the 18th best national university in the United States for 2021.
Cornell Outcomes
Cornell graduates also enjoy strong employment and graduate school outcomes, with a reported 94% of alumni achieving positive outcomes within six months of graduation.
Amherst vs Cornell Cost Comparison
Both Amherst College and Cornell University have similar costs of attendance, with Amherst’s estimated total cost for 2021-2022 at $78,900 and Cornell’s at $79,407. However, both institutions are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to attending either school.
Amherst vs Cornell Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Amherst and Cornell are highly competitive, with acceptance rates of 11.8% and 10.9%, respectively. The middle 50% of admitted students’ test scores are similar between the two schools, with Amherst’s ranging from 1410 to 1560 on the SAT and 31 to 34 on the ACT, while Cornell’s range from 1410 to 1560 on the SAT and 32 to 35 on the ACT. Both schools value strong academic backgrounds, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities in their admissions decisions.
Amherst vs Cornell Academic Difficulty
Both Amherst and Cornell are known for their rigorous academics and commitment to excellence. While Amherst’s small size and low student-to-faculty ratio may provide more personalized attention, Cornell’s extensive research opportunities and resources offer unique academic experiences. Both institutions encourage interdisciplinary learning, with Amherst’s open curriculum and Cornell’s wide range of discipline offerings.
Amherst vs Cornell Outcome Comparison
Amherst and Cornell both have strong graduate outcomes, with 93% of Amherst alumni and 94% of Cornell alumni reporting positive outcomes within six months of graduation. Both schools have extensive alumni networks and notable graduates, providing students with valuable connections and resources in their post-graduation lives.
