Amherst College vs United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy is extremely selective with a 9.4% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Amherst College (9.8%).
Admissions & Outcomes
United States Naval Academy has a higher yield rate (85.2%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Amherst College has a higher median SAT (1500 vs 1300).
Amherst, MA
Annapolis, MD
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.
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.
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
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
United States Naval Academy
- 1 Economics
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Operations Research
- 4 Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- 5 English Language and Literature, 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
United States Naval Academy
- International students1%
- Tuition (international)N/A
- 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.
Get a Personalized College Comparison
We're building custom comparison reports with ROI analysis. Be the first to get yours.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Amherst College or United States Naval Academy?
United States Naval Academy is more selective with a 9.4% acceptance rate, compared to 9.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
What is the graduation rate at Amherst College vs United States Naval Academy?
Amherst College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 93.7%, compared to 91.8%. 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 United States Naval Academy?
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 United States Naval Academy?
At Amherst College, History graduates earn a median of $74,576 within two years. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.