Amherst College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Amherst is test-optional, but 39% of enrolled students submitted SAT scores, and the middle range is 1500 to 1560. If you plan to submit, aim near the top of that band, with a 35 ACT as a comparable target.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Amherst College facts and stats
Amherst College enrolls 1,914 undergraduates in a small town setting. Amherst has a 97% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 94% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 6.9:1.
Amherst, MA
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Key Amherst College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 6
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
January 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you plan to submit scores to Amherst, aim to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year so you can use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes. For the November 1 Early Decision deadline, the October SAT or September ACT is typically the last retake likely to arrive in time, giving you one more chance to improve a superscore.
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What you'll actually pay
Amherst is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $70,480, and 59% of students receive aid. Submit the FAFSA by the January 15 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
At Amherst College, tuition, fees, room and board total $88,870 per year before aid. Financial aid is significant for many students: 59% receive aid, with an average package of $69,507. Graduates leave with an average debt of $25,522.
Student life at Amherst College
97% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
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