Amherst College
Amherst, United States • Founded 1821 • World Rank #3147
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Founded in 1821, the Amherst College is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Amherst (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Massachusetts.
Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Amherst College (AC) is a very small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Amherst College (AC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 203-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
AC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Find Amherst College on the map and reach the right office through the contact channels listed below. Use these for general enquiries; specific departments often run their own contact pages.
Academic Details
Amherst College's academic structure, enrolment numbers, and accreditation context are gathered below. Together they describe how the institution operates beyond the surface-level overview.
Programs Offered
Below: Amherst College's programme list by level. Programme intakes vary — some offer multiple entry points per year (Sep, Jan, May), others a single annual intake.
34 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 34 programmes
Showing 10 of 34.
How to apply to Amherst College
The standard application path for Amherst College, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.
-
1
Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse Amherst College's 34 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
-
2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at Amherst College typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
-
3
Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
-
4
Apply through the official channel
Amherst College processes applications through www.amherst.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
-
5
Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (413) 542 2000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Amherst College
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Amherst College as a study destination.
In what year was Amherst College established?
Amherst College was founded in 1821 (approximately 205 years ago).
In which city is Amherst College?
Amherst College is based in Amherst, United States.
What is Amherst College's control type?
Amherst College operates as a private institution.
How many students study at Amherst College?
Amherst College has approximately 1,000-1,999 students.
Where does Amherst College stand in university rankings?
Amherst College holds rank #3147 globally and #349 in United States.
Is Amherst College accredited?
The institution holds recognition from New England Commission of Higher Education.
What is Amherst College's official website?
You can find Amherst College online at www.amherst.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
When shortlisting in the United States, students often start with the top-ranked institutions. Below are the national leaders worth comparing against Amherst College, helpful for calibrating where Amherst College sits in the broader landscape.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
The universities below share Amherst College's National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) membership, often coordinating on academic standards. Coordination simplifies credit transfer and joint-programme delivery between member institutions.
Faculties at nearby universities
Nearby institutions to Amherst College often share sports, residence, and student-life facilities through regional consortia. The shared infrastructure can shape your day-to-day experience meaningfully.
Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies
Choosing the right Social & Cultural Studies programme is rarely about one university alone. Institutions across the United States cover the same discipline as Amherst College from different academic angles, and the right fit depends on what kind of teaching environment suits you.
Universities Compared with Amherst College
Comparable peer metrics — selectivity, yield, faculty awards — give a fuller picture than headline rankings alone. The universities below cluster around Amherst College on most of these signals.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.
