In this article, we will explore the differences between Amherst College and Duke University, two prestigious institutions in the United States. We will compare costs, tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes of each school 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, Amherst is known for its rigorous academic programs, small class sizes, and personalized attention from professors. With approximately 1,800 students, Amherst offers a close-knit community and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Amherst Costs & Tuition
Amherst is one of the few colleges in the United States that practices need-blind admissions and provides 100% of demonstrated need to all its students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the total cost of attendance at Amherst is $78,098, including tuition, fees, room, and board. However, the average financial aid package for first-year students is $58,500, bringing the average net cost down to $19,598.
Amherst Admissions
Amherst College has a highly competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 11.3%. They look for students who demonstrate a strong academic background, extracurricular involvement, and intellectual curiosity. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1430-1550 and an ACT score range of 32-35.
Amherst Degrees Offered
Amherst offers 40 majors across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Some popular majors include Economics, English, Political Science, Psychology, and Biology. Students also have the option to design their own major or participate in the Five College Consortium, which includes four other nearby institutions.
Amherst Academics
Amherst College is known for its rigorous academics and commitment to a well-rounded liberal arts education. With an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 19 students, Amherst provides personalized attention and a collaborative learning environment.
Amherst Diversity
Amherst College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Approximately 45% of students identify as students of color, and 10% are international students. Amherst also has numerous resources and programs dedicated to supporting underrepresented students, including the Multicultural Resource Center and the Women’s and Gender Center.
Amherst Students
Amherst students are known for their intellectual curiosity, community engagement, and commitment to social justice. With over 100 student-run clubs and organizations, there are ample opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop leadership skills.
Amherst Campus
Amherst’s beautiful 1,000-acre campus is located in the scenic Pioneer Valley and features a mix of historic and modern architecture. The college is also committed to sustainability, with several LEED-certified buildings and a comprehensive sustainability plan.
Amherst Alumni
Amherst’s notable alumni include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and leaders in various fields, including former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, author David Foster Wallace, and astronomer Edwin Hubble.
Amherst Rankings
Amherst College consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Amherst is ranked #2 among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Amherst Outcomes
Amherst graduates have a strong record of success, with 93% of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for Amherst graduates is around $60,000, and the college has a strong alumni network and career resources to support students in their post-graduation plans.
Duke Overview
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina. Founded in 1838, Duke is known for its strong academics, research opportunities, and competitive athletics. With approximately 6,649 undergraduate students, Duke offers a diverse range of academic programs, resources, and opportunities for student involvement.
Duke Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the total cost of attendance at Duke is $79,288, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Duke is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students, and the average financial aid package for first-year students is $55,000.
Duke Admissions
Duke University has a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 7.7%. They look for students who excel academically, demonstrate leadership potential, and have a strong commitment to community service. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1480-1570 and an ACT score range of 33-35.
Duke Degrees Offered
Duke offers over 50 majors and 50 minors across the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. Some popular majors include Economics, Biology, Public Policy, Computer Science, and Engineering. Students at Duke can also pursue interdisciplinary studies, double majors, and minors.
Duke Academics
Duke University is known for its strong academics and commitment to undergraduate research opportunities. With a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 19 students, Duke provides a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Duke also offers numerous resources for academic support and enrichment, including research centers, libraries, and study abroad programs.
Duke Diversity
Duke University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 42% of students identify as students of color, and 12% are international students. Duke also has a variety of programs and resources dedicated to supporting underrepresented students, including the Center for Multicultural Affairs and the Women’s Center.
Duke Students
Duke students are known for their academic excellence, leadership, and school spirit. With over 400 student-run clubs and organizations, there are numerous opportunities for students to get involved and develop their interests.
Duke Campus
Duke’s stunning 8,600-acre campus features Gothic architecture, extensive gardens, and state-of-the-art facilities. The campus is also home to the nationally ranked Duke University Medical Center and the renowned Nasher Museum of Art.
Duke Alumni
Notable Duke alumni include business leaders, politicians, and professionals in various fields, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, journalist and author Charlie Rose, and former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole.
Duke Rankings
Duke University consistently ranks among the top national universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Duke is ranked #9 among National Universities.
Duke Outcomes
Duke graduates have a strong record of success, with 95% of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for Duke graduates is around $68,000, and the university has a robust alumni network and career resources to support students in their post-graduation plans.
Amherst vs Duke Cost Comparison
The total cost of attendance at Amherst is $78,098, while the total cost at Duke is $79,288. Both schools are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. The average financial aid package for first-year students at Amherst is $58,500, while the average package at Duke is $55,000. This brings the average net cost at Amherst down to $19,598 and the average net cost at Duke down to $24,288. Both schools offer significant financial aid packages, but Amherst may be more affordable for some students.
Amherst vs Duke Admissions Difficulty
Both Amherst College and Duke University have highly competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 11.3% and 7.7%, respectively. The middle 50% of admitted students at Amherst have SAT scores ranging from 1430-1550 and ACT scores ranging from 32-35, while the middle 50% of admitted students at Duke have SAT scores ranging from 1480-1570 and ACT scores ranging from 33-35. Both schools look for students with strong academic backgrounds, extracurricular involvement, and intellectual curiosity, making admissions at both institutions highly competitive.
Amherst vs Duke Academic Difficulty
Both Amherst and Duke are known for their rigorous academics and commitment to a well-rounded education. Amherst, as a liberal arts college, focuses on providing a broad foundation in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Duke, as a research university, offers a wider range of academic programs, including engineering and interdisciplinary studies. Both schools have low student-to-faculty ratios and small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention and a collaborative learning environment. While both schools are challenging, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of academic focus and campus culture.
Amherst vs Duke Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Amherst and Duke have strong records of success in their post-graduation plans. At Amherst, 93% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation, with a median starting salary of around $60,000. At Duke, 95% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation, with a median starting salary of around $68,000. Both schools have robust alumni networks and career resources to support students as they enter the workforce or pursue further education. Overall, outcomes for graduates of both Amherst and Duke are strong, and the choice between the two may come down to individual priorities and preferences.
