Amherst College Ranking Profile

Amherst College, founded in 1821, is one of the most prestigious private liberal arts colleges in the United States. Located in Amherst, Massachusetts, it stands at the forefront of higher education, known for its rigorous academic environment, strong sense of community, and rich history. As an institution dedicated to providing a top-tier liberal arts education, Amherst is highly regarded for its commitment to intellectual freedom, interdisciplinary learning, and holistic student development.

Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, Amherst College maintains high academic standards. The institution is a member of the Five Colleges consortium, which includes nearby Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. This consortium allows students to cross-register for courses at these other institutions, broadening their academic opportunities and enhancing their educational experiences. The consortium reflects Amherst’s dedication to providing a wide-ranging academic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.

Throughout its history, Amherst College has produced an impressive list of alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, education, economics, science, and the arts. Among its notable alumni are Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States; Francis Amasa Walker, the third president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); and Henry Martin Tupper, the founder of Shaw University. The college has also produced prominent figures in business and diplomacy, such as David Bradford, former member of the President's Council of Economic Advisors, and Toshikazu Kase, Japan’s first Ambassador to the United Nations. These individuals exemplify the caliber of graduates that Amherst College produces, many of whom go on to make a profound impact in their respective fields.

Amherst College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report in 2012, Amherst ranked 2nd among Tier 1 National Liberal Arts Colleges. In 2009, Forbes placed Amherst College in the top 10 colleges and universities in the country, ranking it 8th overall. This distinction reflects the institution’s excellence in academics, faculty, resources, and overall student satisfaction. Notably, Amherst College has one of the highest graduation rates of any institution in the nation, second only to Harvard University, according to a 2009 study by the American Enterprise Institute. This impressive graduation rate highlights Amherst’s effectiveness in fostering a supportive and challenging environment that helps students thrive academically and personally.

The institution’s standing in various rankings further attests to its prominence. In the 2009 Washington Monthly rankings, Amherst College was ranked 1st overall among liberal arts colleges. This ranking takes into account factors such as social mobility, research output, and public service contributions. Amherst also ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys, including those conducted by The Princeton Review, where it was placed in the Top 20 for categories like “Students Satisfied With Financial Aid,” “School Runs Like Butter,” and “Top 10 Best Value Private Schools.” These rankings underscore Amherst’s commitment to providing students with an exceptional college experience, both academically and personally.

Amherst College is known for its rigorous academic programs, which emphasize critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and interdisciplinary learning. The college offers a diverse range of majors and minors, allowing students to explore a wide variety of subjects across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Students are encouraged to pursue independent research, engage with faculty mentors, and develop a deep understanding of their chosen fields. This intellectual freedom and academic flexibility are core elements of the Amherst experience, and they allow students to take ownership of their education in ways that suit their individual interests and career goals.

One of the unique features of Amherst College is its commitment to a flexible, open curriculum. Unlike many other institutions, Amherst does not require students to complete a set of core courses in specific disciplines. Instead, students are free to design their academic path according to their interests and passions, while ensuring that they meet certain requirements in key areas such as writing, quantitative reasoning, and global awareness. This flexibility encourages students to explore subjects outside their primary area of focus and to develop a broad, well-rounded education. It also fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity, where students are not confined by traditional academic boundaries but are instead encouraged to approach problems and ideas from a variety of perspectives.

Amherst College’s small student-to-faculty ratio—approximately 8:1—ensures that students receive individualized attention and mentoring from professors who are deeply invested in their academic growth. The faculty at Amherst are not only experts in their fields but also passionate educators who prioritize teaching and student engagement. This close-knit academic environment enables students to develop strong relationships with their professors, fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating atmosphere. The college’s commitment to small class sizes and faculty-student interactions is integral to its educational philosophy and is one of the reasons why Amherst is consistently ranked highly for student satisfaction and academic quality.

Another strength of Amherst College is its extensive resources and facilities, which support students’ academic and extracurricular pursuits. The college’s libraries are well-equipped with a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources, providing students with the tools they need to conduct research and deepen their understanding of their chosen fields. Additionally, Amherst’s state-of-the-art science laboratories, art studios, and performance spaces enable students to engage in hands-on learning and creative expression. The college’s commitment to providing cutting-edge resources ensures that students have access to the latest technologies and academic tools, further enhancing their educational experience.

The college’s athletic programs are also highly regarded, with Amherst College being ranked 2nd overall in the National Collegiate Scouting Association’s 2007 report on student-athlete graduation rates, academic strength, and athletic prowess. The college’s athletic teams, known as the Amherst Mammoths, compete at the NCAA Division III level and have a strong tradition of success. Students can participate in a wide variety of sports, from soccer and basketball to swimming and cross-country, allowing them to stay physically active and build teamwork and leadership skills. The emphasis on balancing academics with athletics contributes to Amherst’s holistic approach to student development, where both physical and intellectual growth are valued.

Amherst College’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is another key aspect of its mission. The college strives to create a campus community that reflects the diversity of the world beyond its gates, fostering an environment where students from different backgrounds and perspectives can come together to learn, grow, and collaborate. This commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the college’s efforts to support first-generation college students, underrepresented minorities, and international students, providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. Amherst’s dedication to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment enhances the overall educational experience, making it a place where all students feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.

In conclusion, Amherst College is a distinguished institution that stands as a leader in the field of liberal arts education. With its strong academic reputation, exceptional faculty, and commitment to intellectual and personal growth, Amherst offers students a transformative education that prepares them for success in a wide range of careers. The college’s emphasis on flexibility, interdisciplinary learning, and student engagement ensures that graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Whether through its impressive academic programs, world-class resources, or commitment to community and diversity, Amherst College continues to provide an outstanding education for those who seek to make a meaningful impact on society.