Hampshire College
Amherst, Massachusetts 01002-5001
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for biology — close-knit campus
Hampshire College is a private rural institution in Amherst, Massachusetts. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A small campus of 716 undergraduates with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural location provides a peaceful, focused academic environment.
57% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $46,938 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $25,810.
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History Hampshire College viewed from Bare Mountain in October 2017.
- •With a matching grant from the Ford Foundation, Hampshire's first trustees purchased 800 acres (3.
- •The Making of a College is (as of 2003) out of print but available in electronic form from the Hampshire College Archives.
Source: Wikipedia
Notable Alumni
Lupita Nyong'o
Academy Award-winning actress (12 Years a Slave)
Elliott Smith
Singer-songwriter and musician
James Estrin
Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times photographer
Ken Burns
Documentary filmmaker (The Civil War, Baseball)
Jon Krakauer
Author (Into the Wild, Into Thin Air)
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 15
Decision by mid-December
Early Decision II (Binding)
January 15
Decision by mid-February
Regular Decision
February 1
Decision by late March
Reply by May 1
Hampshire does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions decisions.
Hampshire-specific essays required, focusing on intellectual interests and self-directed learning.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
Transfer Admission
Fall Transfer
March 15
Spring Transfer
November 1
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Need-blind for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
42.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$25,000
Academics
No majors, no letter grades, no distribution requirements. Students design their own programs of study with faculty guidance.
Five College Consortium
Students can take courses at any of the Five Colleges at no extra charge. Free bus service connects all campuses.
Programs (63)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
After Graduation
Top Employers
Top Graduate Schools
Top Industries
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
75%
Campus Life
Competes in United States Collegiate Athletic Association.
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Dining services prioritize local, organic, and farm-fresh ingredients from Hampshire Farm.
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
4
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MA state average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Consortium bus
Free Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) buses connect all Five College campuses.
Amtrak
Amherst station on Connecticut River line; Springfield station 30 minutes away.
Walkability
Large rural campus with wooded areas and farm; car or bus helpful for accessing Amherst town center.
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Downtown Amherst
Vibrant college town with shops, restaurants, bookstores, and cultural events.
Mount Holyoke Range State Park
Hiking trails and scenic views.
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Museum dedicated to picture book illustrations.
Atkins Farm
Local farm with fresh produce, cider, and bakery.
Days out near Amherst
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Northampton, from real bookable tour times.
See all days out →