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College comparison
Amherst vs NYU
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 |  NYU New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateAmherst College is more selective | 9% | 9% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1490–1580 | 1480–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,911 | 28,663 |
| Avg net price | $23,367 | $37,050 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)NYU reports higher median earnings | $77,644 | $82,509 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 88% |
| Median debt | $13,740 | $20,500 |
| Economic mobility | 2.0% | 3.6% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Amherst vs NYU: how they compare
Amherst College and NYU offer distinct educations, one a self-contained liberal arts community and the other a vast urban network.
By the numbers Both share a 9% acceptance rate and similar SAT ranges (Amherst 1490–1580, NYU 1480–1560). Amherst’s average net price is $23k versus NYU’s $37k, and its value multiplier is 3.3× versus 2.2× earnings per dollar of net price. NYU’s 10-year median earnings are $83k versus Amherst’s $78k. NYU has an economic mobility rate of 363% versus Amherst’s 196%. Amherst shows lower admit-rate volatility (51% vs. 127%) and a slightly higher DOE financial health score (2.8 vs. 2.7). Amherst graduates 94% of its students versus 88% at NYU.
Where they overlap Both are selective institutions that attract high-achieving students. They can serve as launchpads for graduate study and professional careers.
How they differ The experiences are distinct. Amherst is a residential liberal arts college in a suburban Massachusetts town, where nearly all students live on campus, fostering a tight-knit community. NYU is an urban university integrated into New York City, offering an independent lifestyle with city access but a less cohesive campus core.
Who each suits Amherst suits a student seeking an immersive college experience centered on a close residential community and faculty interaction. NYU is for a self-directed, city-oriented student who values professional opportunity and urban exploration. For fields like pre-med or finance, both provide pathways, but the environment—suburban enclave versus urban hub—is a defining difference.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Amherst College or New York University harder to get into?
- Amherst College is more selective: Amherst College's acceptance rate is approximately 9% and New York University's is approximately 9% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Amherst College vs New York University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1490–1580 at Amherst College and 1480–1560 at New York 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.