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College comparison
Amherst vs Pomona
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 |  Pomona Claremont, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance ratePomona College is more selective | 9% | 7% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1490–1580 | 1490–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,911 | 1,666 |
| Avg net price | $23,367 | $19,285 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Pomona reports higher median earnings | $77,644 | $77,779 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 93% |
| Median debt | $13,740 | $11,782 |
| Economic mobility | 2.0% | 2.0% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Amherst vs Pomona: how they compare
Amherst and Pomona are leading liberal arts colleges, but they deliver their value through different campus cultures and rhythms.
By the numbers The quantitative profiles are strikingly similar, with key distinctions in financial efficiency and scholarly output. Both show nearly identical 10-year median earnings ($78k) and exceptional economic mobility (196% for Amherst, 195% for Pomona). Amherst's average net price is slightly higher at $23k versus Pomona's $19k, giving Pomona a higher calculated value (4.0x vs. 3.3x earnings per dollar of net price). Pomona is more selective (7% vs. 9% acceptance) and shows markedly less year-to-year volatility in its admit rate (28% vs. 51%). Both have superb financial health (DOE scores of 2.9/3 for Pomona, 2.8/3 for Amherst). A clear divergence is in future-scholar yield, where Pomona's rate of 11.3 outpaces Amherst's 8.3, suggesting stronger undergraduate pathways to STEM and science PhDs.
Where they overlap Both institutions are highly selective, small, residential liberal arts colleges in suburban settings, committed to need-blind admissions and fostering significant economic mobility for their students. They emphasize close faculty mentorship and rigorous academics.
How they differ The cultural experiences diverge. Amherst is often described as having a more traditional liberal arts college atmosphere with an active social scene, where students may experience a different academic pace. Pomona’s culture is influenced by its focus on STEM fields and its connection to the broader Claremont Consortium, which can create a more university-like environment. The academic culture at Pomona is often described as highly collaborative and rigorous.
Who each suits Amherst suits the student seeking a balanced New England liberal arts experience with a socially-oriented campus life and a broad distribution of academic interests. Pomona is a strong match for the student drawn to a collaborative STEM culture within a consortium, who values the dynamic of five closely linked campuses in Southern California.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Amherst College or Pomona College harder to get into?
- Pomona College is more selective: Amherst College's acceptance rate is approximately 9% and Pomona College's is approximately 7% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Amherst College vs Pomona College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1490–1580 at Amherst College and 1490–1560 at Pomona College. 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.