Amherst College vs Goddard College
Amherst College is extremely selective with a 9.8% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Goddard College (19.5%). Graduates of Amherst College earn $52,092 more per year at the 10-year mark ($77,644 vs $25,552). Students at Amherst College graduate with less debt ($13,740 vs $18,750).
Admissions & Outcomes
Amherst College has a higher yield rate (39.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Amherst, MA
Plainfield, VT
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Amherst College is more affordable at $1,086 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $47,521 vs $35,596.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Goddard College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (53%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Amherst College
- 1 History$74,576
- 2 Economics$74,576
- 3 Mathematics$67,660
- 4 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics$67,101
- 5 Political Science and Government$48,432
Goddard College
- 1 Education, General$41,193
- 2 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies$24,035
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Amherst College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 4 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- 5 Mathematics
Goddard College
- 1 Education, General
- 2 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- 3 Community/Environmental/Socially-Engaged Art
- 4 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- 5 Psychology, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Amherst College
- International students12%
- Tuition (international)$59,890
- Est. total cost/year$76,340
- School typePublic
Goddard College
- International studentsN/A
- Tuition (international)$18,210
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs. 0
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Amherst College or Goddard College?
Amherst College is more selective with a 9.8% acceptance rate, compared to 19.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Amherst College or Goddard College?
Amherst College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $77,644 compared to $25,552. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
What is the graduation rate at Amherst College vs Goddard College?
Amherst College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 93.7%, compared to 75.0%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Amherst College or Goddard College?
Amherst College has a larger international student population at 12% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Amherst College and Goddard College?
At Amherst College, History graduates earn a median of $74,576 within two years. At Goddard College, the top-earning major is Education, General at $41,193. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.