College comparison

Amherst vs Harvard

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	Amherst Amherst, MA	Harvard Cambridge, MA
Acceptance rateHarvard University is more selective	9%	4%
SAT (25–75)	1490–1580	1510–1580
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	1,911	7,601
Avg net price	$23,367	$19,066
Median earnings (10 yr)Harvard reports higher median earnings	$77,644	$101,817
Graduation rate	94%	98%
Median debt	$13,740	$14,000
Economic mobility	2.0%	1.8%
Test policy	—	test-required
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Private (nonprofit)

Quick answers

Is Amherst College or Harvard University harder to get into?

Harvard University is more selective: Amherst College's acceptance rate is approximately 9% and Harvard University's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Amherst College vs Harvard University?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1490–1580 at Amherst College and 1510–1580 at Harvard University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.