Choosing the right college is an important decision that many students face, and it is essential to consider various factors before making that choice. This comparison between Amherst College and Tufts University will provide an in-depth analysis of the two schools, highlighting their similarities and differences across key areas. These areas include costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.
Amherst Overview
Amherst College is a private liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts. Founded in 1821, the college is known for its rigorous academic programs, small class sizes, and commitment to undergraduate education. With a student population of just over 1,800, Amherst offers a close-knit community where students can form lasting connections with their peers and professors.
Amherst Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Amherst for the 2021-2022 academic year is $60,890, with additional fees of $2,200 and room and board costs of $15,350. The college offers generous financial aid packages to students, with over 58% of students receiving some form of financial aid. The average financial aid package awarded to students is approximately $54,000.
Amherst Admissions
Amherst College is highly competitive in its admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 11.3% for the class of 2025. The middle 50% of accepted students have an SAT score between 1430 and 1570, and an ACT score between 32 and 35. The college has a strong commitment to diversity and seeks to enroll a diverse class of students from various backgrounds.
Amherst Degrees Offered
Amherst College offers 40 majors across various fields of study, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary programs. Some popular majors at Amherst include Economics, English, Political Science, Psychology, and Biology. The college also provides opportunities for students to participate in research or create their independent major if their academic interests are not covered by existing programs.
Amherst Academics
Amherst College is renowned for its academic rigor and commitment to undergraduate education. With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the college offers small class sizes that allow for personalized attention and close connections between students and professors. The college follows an open curriculum, which gives students the flexibility to explore their interests without being restricted by core requirements.
Amherst Diversity
Amherst College has a diverse student body, with 45% of students identifying as students of color, and 11% of students coming from outside the United States. The college’s commitment to diversity extends to its financial aid packages, which are designed to ensure that all qualified students can attend Amherst regardless of their financial background.
Amherst Students
The Amherst student body is composed of approximately 1,800 undergraduate students, who are involved in various clubs, organizations, and athletic teams. The college’s small size fosters a close-knit community, and students are encouraged to participate in campus life and contribute to the college community.
Amherst Campus
Amherst College is located on a picturesque 1,000-acre campus in the town of Amherst, Massachusetts. The campus features historic buildings, modern facilities, and outdoor spaces for students to enjoy. Amherst is part of the Five College Consortium, which allows students to take classes and participate in events at four other nearby colleges – Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Amherst Alumni
Amherst College boasts a strong alumni network, with notable alumni including former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Foster Wallace, and Nobel Prize-winning biologist Harold E. Varmus. The college’s alumni network provides resources and support for current students and graduates as they pursue their careers.
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 placed second in the category of Best National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Amherst Outcomes
Graduates of Amherst College have a strong record of success in various fields, including business, academia, government, and the arts. Within six months of graduation, 94% of the Class of 2019 were either employed, pursuing graduate education, or participating in other activities such as internships or volunteer work.
Tufts University Overview
Tufts University is a private research university located in Medford, Massachusetts, with additional campuses in Boston and Grafton. Established in 1852, Tufts has a strong commitment to interdisciplinary learning, research, and public service. With over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the university offers a diverse range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Tufts Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Tufts for the 2021-2022 academic year is $61,646, with additional fees of $1,218 and room and board costs of $16,534. Tufts offers financial aid packages to eligible students, with more than 40% of students receiving some form of financial assistance. The average financial aid package awarded to students is approximately $47,000.
Tufts Admissions
Admission to Tufts University is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 15% for the class of 2025. The middle 50% of accepted students have an SAT score between 1420 and 1560, and an ACT score between 32 and 35. Like Amherst, Tufts seeks to admit a diverse class of students from various backgrounds.
Tufts Degrees Offered
Tufts University offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate programs across its various schools, including the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Popular undergraduate majors at Tufts include International Relations, Economics, Biology, and Political Science.
Tufts Academics
Tufts University is known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and research. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, allowing for small class sizes and close interaction between students and professors. Students at Tufts can also take advantage of the university’s extensive research facilities and resources.
Tufts Diversity
Tufts has a diverse student body, with 49% of students identifying as students of color, and 16% of students coming from outside the United States. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion through numerous programs and initiatives.
Tufts Students
The student body at Tufts is composed of over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students who participate in a wide range of clubs, organizations, and athletic teams. The university’s size and diverse student population contribute to a vibrant campus life and numerous opportunities for students to engage with their peers.
Tufts Campus
Tufts University is situated on a scenic 150-acre campus in Medford, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, as well as green spaces and recreational facilities. The university’s location in the greater Boston area provides students with access to numerous cultural, academic, and professional opportunities.
Tufts Alumni
Notable alumni of Tufts University include eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, former U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry, and actress Jessica Biel. Tufts’ strong alumni network offers resources and support for current students and graduates as they navigate their careers.
Tufts Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Tufts University was ranked 30th among National Universities. The university is also highly regarded for its engineering and international relations programs.
Tufts Outcome
Graduates of Tufts University have a strong track record of success in various fields, including business, government, academia, and the arts. Within six months of graduation, 94% of the Class of 2019 were either employed, pursuing graduate education, or participating in other activities such as internships or volunteer work.
Amherst vs Tufts Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Amherst College and Tufts University, both institutions have a similar price tag. Tuition at Amherst for the 2021-2022 academic year is $60,890, while tuition at Tufts is slightly higher at $61,646. However, it is important to note that both schools offer financial aid packages to help offset these costs. Amherst College tends to offer more generous financial aid packages, with an average award of approximately $54,000, compared to Tufts’ average package of around $47,000.
Amherst vs Tufts Admissions Difficulty
Both Amherst College and Tufts University have highly competitive admissions processes. Amherst has an acceptance rate of 11.3% for the class of 2025, while Tufts has a slightly higher acceptance rate of 15%. The middle 50% of admitted students at both schools have similar SAT and ACT score ranges. In both cases, students applying to these institutions should be prepared for a challenging and competitive admissions process.
Amherst vs Tufts Academic Difficulty
Amherst College and Tufts University are both renowned for their academic rigor and commitment to providing a high-quality education. The student-to-faculty ratios at both schools are low, with Amherst at 7:1 and Tufts at 9:1. This allows for small class sizes and close interactions between students and professors.
