College Costs in Amherst, NH 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Amherst, New Hampshire. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$18,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$990
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Amherst Overview
Population
11,201
Student Population
1,968 (17.6%)
Cost of Living Index
103.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for Amherst
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$135,320
Total After Financial Aid
$135,320
Annual Cost
$33,830
Annual After Aid
$33,830
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $135,320 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,537 |
| Total Interest | $49,064 |
| Total Loan Cost | $184,384 |
Universities in Amherst
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Amherst State University | Public | $19,525 |
| Amherst Community College | Community | $5,213 |
Amherst has 1 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) | $18,800 | $10,940 | +$7,860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $990 | $1,050 | -$60 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103.6 | 100 | +3.5999999999999943 |
Amherst's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Amherst
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,968 students
Amherst has a total population of 11,201, with approximately 1,968 college students (17.6% 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
$44,887
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~14 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Amherst earn a median starting salary of $44,887, which is $9,887 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $135,320 (including room and board), it would take approximately 14 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,034 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in New Hampshire
Manchester
12 colleges · Avg tuition $15,843
Nashua
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,877
Concord
3 colleges · Avg tuition $22,560
Keene
3 colleges · Avg tuition $13,468
Hanover
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,049
Derry
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Dover
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Rochester
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Salem
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Londonderry
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Merrimack
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
Hudson
2 colleges · Avg tuition $18,800
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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