Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Amherst College vs Boston College

Amherst, MA · Chestnut Hill, MA · Source: IPEDS federal database

Amherst CollegeBoston College
Acceptance Rate9.8%15.7%
In-State Tuition$67,280$67,680
Out-of-State Tuition$67,280$67,680
Average Net Price$3,521$21,178
Graduation Rate93.0%91.0%

GradFax Analysis

Amherst College accepts 9.8% of applicants. Boston College accepts 15.7%. Tuition is close: $67,280 at Amherst College, $67,680 at Boston College. Six-year graduation rates are close: 93% at Amherst College, 91% at Boston College.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Amherst College profileBoston College profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Amherst College or Boston College?

Amherst College. It accepts 9.8% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Amherst College or Boston College more affordable?

Amherst College has lower published tuition: $67,280 versus $67,680. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Amherst College: 93% of students finish in 6 years. Boston College is at 91%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Amherst College vs Boston College: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax