Academic Comparison between Westfield State and Amherst

Westfield State University and Amherst College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Westfield State is a four-year, public school located in Westfield, MA and Amherst is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Amherst, MA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Westfield State is a public and Amherst is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Amherst has more expensive tuition & fees ($70,480) than Westfield State ($18,259).
  • It is harder to admit to Amherst than Westfield State.
  • Westfield State has more students with 4,588 students while Amherst has 1,914 students.
  • Amherst has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while Westfield State's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Amherst has more full-time faculties with 282 faculties while Westfield State has 196 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Westfield State Universityvs.Amherst College
Westfield, MassachusettsLocationAmherst, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$12,179
Out-Of-State$18,259
2025 Tuition & Fees$70,480
62%% Receiving Financial Aid62%
$9,220Average Amount of Financial Aid$67,234
81.41 %Acceptance Rates9.01 %
15.16 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)38.77 %
-SAT Score1,540
-ACT Score34
54 %Graduation Rate94 %
29 %Transfer-out Rate3 %
74 %Retention Rate97 %
4,588Student Population1,914
196Number of Faculties282
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services