Head-to-head comparison
Amherst College vs. Middlebury College
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs Amherst or Middlebury harder to get into?
Amherst is harder to get into than Middlebury. Amherst's 9.0% acceptance rate is lower than Middlebury's 10.8%.
Which is cheaper, Amherst or Middlebury?
Amherst costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, Amherst's average net price is $23,367 vs $31,483 at Middlebury.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
Amherst graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $77,644 at Amherst and $76,310 at Middlebury.
Full Comparison
| Metric | Amherst | Middlebury |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 9.0% | 10.8% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1490–1580 | 1445–1550 |
| ACT mid-50% | 33–35 | 33–35 |
| Cost of attendance | $87,640 | $85,880 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $23,367 | $31,483 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,911 | 2,738 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 93.9% | 91.4% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $77,644 | $76,310 |
| Setting | Amherst, Massachusetts | Middlebury, Vermont |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
Amherst is modestly harder to get into. The 1.7-point gap matters at the margin but doesn't change the overall difficulty tier. Both schools draw similar applicant pools and admit similar profiles.
Amherst draws stronger test scores. Mid-50% SAT range tops out at 1580 vs 1550 at the other school. Differences in test profile usually reflect a school's STEM-vs-humanities mix and the self-selection of applicants, not raw academic quality.
Amherst is significantly cheaper after aid. The average net price gap is $8,116 per year, $32,464 over four years. For most families that difference is the deciding factor when both schools admit you.
Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. Amherst is in Amherst, Massachusetts; Middlebury is in Middlebury, Vermont. Climate, cost-of-living, and proximity to job markets in your target field shape the four-year experience and post-grad pipeline more than most prospective students realize.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. Amherst is 54.9% women, 13.1% international, and 16.5% Asian-American. Middlebury is 53.5% women, 12.3% international, and 7.4% Asian-American.
| Demographic | Amherst | Middlebury |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 54.9% | 53.5% |
| International | 13.1% | 12.3% |
| White | 36.4% | 54.2% |
| Asian | 16.5% | 7.4% |
| Hispanic | 13.8% | 12.5% |
| Black | 8.9% | 5.2% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at Amherst vs. Middlebury?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick Amherst if
- Net price matters: Amherst costs $8,116 less per year on average
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($77,644 vs $76,310)
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- the open curriculum
Pick Middlebury if
- Your odds are realistic at Middlebury (slightly easier admit)
- its language schools
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
Amherst College
9.0% accept · Amherst, Massachusetts
Full profile
Middlebury College
10.8% accept · Middlebury, Vermont
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.