Amherst, a traditionally high-ranking liberal arts school, has many qualities that set it apart among small, elite colleges. Unlike most top schools, which dictate a variety of basic core classes that lowerclassmen must take, Amherst has no required courses, except for a first-year seminar emphasizing writing and critical thinking. A consortium with nearby schools UMass Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke and Smith gives students another unique way to expand their knowledge, allowing them to cross-register for courses with no additional fee.
The college is known for its commitment to close interactions with professors, boasting a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. Amherst is one of a small group of schools that pledge to meet 100% of every student’s demonstrated financial need — more than 80% of the 2025 class graduated without any student loan debt.
With fewer than 2,000 students, Amherst’s campus offers an intimate experience. In recent years, up to 45% of students have taken part in study abroad programs in places like Paris, Cairo and Seoul. Besides its 200-year-old campus, Amherst maintains a 500-acre wildlife sanctuary with wetlands and woodlands.
Sports have always been popular on campus, especially competitions between Amherst and friendly rival Williams College. The annual football game between the two Division III schools is known as the “Biggest Little Game in America,” a hat tip to the “Big Game” played annually by rivals Stanford and UC Berkeley.
