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Amherst College

Amherst, United States • Founded 1821

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: amherst.edu

Overview

Acronyms: AC
Founded: 1821
Institution Type: College
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #901-1000 SCImago 2026 #3147
Motto: Terras Irradient
Colours: Purple and white
Mascot: Mammoths
Amherst College official logo

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

Amherst College's physical location and contact details are listed below.

Address: Boltwood Avenue
Postal Code: 01002-5000
Phone: +1 (413) 542 2000
Fax: +1 (413) 542 2040
Social Media:

Academic Details

Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Amherst College are listed below.

Recognition: New England Commission of Higher Education
Total Students: 1,911
Academic Staff Range: 200-299
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
Five College Consortium National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

The academic units through which Amherst College delivers teaching are listed below.

Unit 42 items
  • American Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Architectural Studies
  • Art & the History of Art
  • Asian American & Pacific Islander Studies
  • Asian Languages & Civilizations
  • Astrophysics
  • Biochemistry & Biophysics
  • Biology
  • Black Studies
  • Chemistry
  • Classical Civilization
  • Classics
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Education Studies
  • English
  • Environmental Studies
  • European Studies
  • Film & Media Studies
  • French
  • Geology
  • German
  • Greek
  • History
  • Latin
  • Latinx and Latin American Studies
  • Law, Jurisprudence & Social Thought
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Neuroscience
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Religion
  • Russian
  • Sexuality, Women's & Gender Studies
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Statistics
  • Theater & Dance

Programs Offered

Search and filter Amherst College's available programmes by degree level.

17 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 17 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in American Studies
American & Australasian Studies · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Architectural Studies
Architecture · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Asian American & Pacific Islander Studies
Ethnic Studies · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Asian Languages & Civilizations
Asian Studies · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Black Studies
Ethnic Studies · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Classical Civilization
Classical Studies & Ancient History · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Education Studies
Education & Teaching · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies
Environmental Sciences · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in European Studies
European Studies · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in French
Linguistics & Language Studies · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 17.

How to apply to Amherst College

A five-step path through the application process at Amherst College.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Use the programme finder to browse Amherst College's 17 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 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. 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. 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. 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

Common questions about Amherst College — answers from its published profile.

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 1,911 students.

How many faculties does Amherst College have?

Amherst College is organised into 42 academic units across its disciplines.

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.

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Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Amherst College and the universities below are both members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Faculties at nearby universities

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Where Else to Study Ethnic Studies

Universities in the United States with Ethnic Studies programmes appear below, alongside Amherst College.

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