Deciding which college to attend is a significant decision that may impact your future academic and professional success. In this comparison, we will be evaluating two prestigious liberal arts colleges: Amherst College and Rhodes College. We will compare various aspects of each institution, such as costs, admissions, academics, and outcomes.
Amherst Overview
Amherst College, located in Amherst, Massachusetts, is a highly-ranked liberal arts college. It was founded in 1821 and has a strong reputation for its commitment to providing a rigorous academic experience and fostering a diverse, inclusive community. Amherst is well-known for its open curriculum, allowing students to explore their interests without being restricted by core requirements.
Amherst Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attendance at Amherst College for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $79,500, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. However, Amherst is committed to making education affordable for all students and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. More than 60% of Amherst students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $58,600.
Amherst Admissions
Admission to Amherst College is highly competitive. For the class of 2025, the college received over 10,000 applications and admitted only around 11% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students’ SAT scores ranged from 1420 to 1560, and ACT scores ranged from 31 to 34. Amherst values diversity in its applicant pool and offers need-blind admission to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students.
Amherst Degrees Offered
Amherst College offers 40 different majors in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, as well as numerous interdisciplinary programs. Some popular majors include Economics, English, Political Science, and Psychology. Additionally, Amherst is part of the Five College Consortium, allowing students to take courses at four other nearby colleges, including Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Amherst Academics
At Amherst, the open curriculum allows students to take courses across various disciplines, encouraging them to explore and develop their intellectual interests. The college has a rigorous academic environment with small class sizes, a student-faculty ratio of 7:1, and an average class size of 18. Amherst faculty are well-regarded in their fields, and 98% hold a Ph.D. or other terminal degree.
Amherst Diversity
Amherst College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Approximately 45% of students are domestic students of color, and about 11% are international students. Moreover, 23% of the student body is Pell grant-eligible, reflecting Amherst’s commitment to enrolling students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Amherst Students
Amherst College has an undergraduate enrollment of roughly 1,800 students. The student body is highly engaged, with over 150 student organizations, including clubs, sports, and volunteer opportunities. Due to the residential nature of the college, more than 95% of students live on campus, creating a close-knit community of learners.
Amherst Campus
The Amherst College campus is located on 1,000 acres in the picturesque Pioneer Valley. The campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture, along with numerous green spaces and recreational facilities. The college’s location in Amherst, Massachusetts, offers students access to a vibrant college town with various dining, shopping, and cultural opportunities.
Amherst Alumni
Amherst College has a strong alumni network, with over 23,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include President Calvin Coolidge, Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Foster Wallace, and Chief Justice of the United States Harlan Fiske Stone.
Amherst Rankings
Amherst College consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Amherst was ranked 2nd among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Amherst Outcomes
Graduates of Amherst College have a strong track record of success. The college reports a 93% graduation rate, with 89% of graduates employed, in graduate school, or pursuing other opportunities within six months of graduation. Additionally, Amherst has produced numerous Fulbright Scholars, Rhodes Scholars, and other prestigious fellowship recipients.
Rhodes College Overview
Rhodes College, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is a top liberal arts college with a strong focus on community engagement and service. Founded in 1848, Rhodes has a rich history and a commitment to providing an exceptional education in a supportive, inclusive environment. The college offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities, allowing students to grow personally and professionally.
Rhodes College Costs & Tuition
The estimated total cost of attendance at Rhodes College for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $64,000, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Rhodes is committed to providing financial assistance to students in need, with over 90% of students receiving some form of financial aid. The average financial aid package is around $35,000.
Rhodes College Admissions
Admissions at Rhodes College are competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 45% for the class of 2025. The middle 50% of admitted students’ SAT scores ranged from 1250 to 1410, and ACT scores ranged from 28 to 32. Like Amherst, Rhodes also values diversity in its applicant pool and considers various factors in its admissions process.
Rhodes College Degrees Offered
Rhodes College offers more than 50 majors and minors in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Some popular majors include Business, Biology, Psychology, and Political Science. In addition to traditional majors, Rhodes offers interdisciplinary programs and the opportunity for students to create their own major.
Rhodes College Academics
Rhodes College is known for its strong academics and personalized attention to students. The college has a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, allowing for small class sizes and meaningful interactions between students and professors. Rhodes faculty are experts in their fields, with 93% holding a Ph.D. or other terminal degree.
Rhodes College Diversity
Rhodes College values the diversity of its student body. Around 30% of students are domestic students of color, and approximately 5% are international students. Moreover, the college strives to create an inclusive environment where all students can thrive, regardless of their background.
Rhodes College Students
Rhodes College has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 2,000 students. The college offers over 100 student organizations, along with various sports, arts, and service opportunities. The residential nature of the campus allows students to form close connections with their peers and foster a strong sense of community.
Rhodes College Campus
The Rhodes College campus is situated on 110 acres in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee. The campus has been recognized for its beauty and features Gothic architecture, lush green spaces, and modern facilities. Its location in Memphis provides students with access to a vibrant city and numerous cultural, social, and professional opportunities.
Rhodes College Alumni
Rhodes College has a proud alumni network, with more than 15,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning author Peter Taylor, Former U.S. Senator Bill Frist, and Grammy Award-winning producer Boo Mitchell.
Rhodes College Rankings
Rhodes College is consistently ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in the nation. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Rhodes was ranked 54th among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Rhodes College Outcomes
Graduates of Rhodes College have a high rate of success in their careers and further education. The college reports a six-year graduation rate of 78%, with 82% of graduates employed, in graduate school, or pursuing other opportunities within six months of graduation. Rhodes College also has a strong record of producing Fulbright Scholars and other prestigious fellowship recipients.
Amherst vs Rhodes College Cost Comparison
The total cost of attendance at Amherst College is higher than that of Rhodes College, with an estimated difference of about $15,500 per year. However, both colleges are committed to making education affordable for students and provide substantial financial aid packages. Amherst meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, while over 90% of Rhodes students receive some form of financial aid. The average aid package at Amherst is $58,600, compared to $35,000 at Rhodes.
Amherst vs Rhodes College Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at Amherst College are more competitive than at Rhodes College. Amherst has an acceptance rate of around 11%, compared to Rhodes’ rate of approximately 45%. Additionally, the middle 50% of admitted students’ test scores are higher at Amherst, indicating a more selective admissions process.
Amherst vs Rhodes College Academic Difficulty
Both Amherst and Rhodes College are known for their rigorous academic programs and exceptional faculty. With small class sizes and a low student-faculty ratio, both colleges offer personalized attention and opportunities for academic growth. Amherst’s open curriculum and participation in the Five College Consortium may provide more academic flexibility, while Rhodes emphasizes community engagement and service.
Amherst vs Rhodes College Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Amherst and Rhodes College have strong outcomes in terms of employment and further education. Amherst reports a higher graduation rate (93% vs 78%) and a slightly higher percentage of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months (89% vs 82%). Both colleges have produced numerous Fulbright Scholars and other prestigious fellowship recipients.
