College Costs in Amherst, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Amherst, Massachusetts. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,952
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$63,772
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,663
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Amherst Overview
Population
39,263
Student Population
6,172 (15.7%)
Cost of Living Index
140 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
61/100
Transit Score
29/100
Unemployment Rate
6.5%
College Cost Calculator for Amherst
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$130,608
Total After Financial Aid
$130,608
Annual Cost
$32,652
Annual After Aid
$32,652
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $130,608 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,483 |
| Total Interest | $47,355 |
| Total Loan Cost | $177,963 |
Universities in Amherst
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | Public | $16,952 |
| Amherst College | Private | $63,772 |
| Greenfield Community College | Community | $5,760 |
Amherst has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Amherst vs. National Average
| Category | Amherst | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,952 | $10,940 | +$6,012 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,663 | $1,050 | +$613 |
| Cost of Living Index | 140 | 100 | +40 |
Amherst's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Amherst
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,172 students
Amherst has a total population of 39,263, with approximately 6,172 college students (15.7% of the population). As a major college town, Amherst offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Amherst
$59,195
Starting Salary
6.5%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Amherst earn a median starting salary of $59,195, which is $24,195 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $130,608 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,914 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Boston
24 colleges · Avg tuition $14,167
Worcester
11 colleges · Avg tuition $16,670
Springfield
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,943
Cambridge
6 colleges · Avg tuition $13,207
Northampton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,211
Williamstown
4 colleges · Avg tuition $17,065
Stockbridge
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,108
Lowell
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Brockton
5 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Quincy
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
New Bedford
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Lynn
4 colleges · Avg tuition $16,100
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Amherst
How we compile Amherst college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Amherst institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Amherst's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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