Does Amherst College provide any merit-based scholarships?
I've been researching different liberal arts colleges, and I'm pretty interested in Amherst. I know a lot of top schools focus on need-based aid, but does Amherst have any merit scholarship programs?
My family is in a weird spot financially—we make too much for most need-based aid but not enough to pay full tuition easily. I've gotten some merit offers from other colleges, and it would be great if Amherst had something similar. If anyone knows if Amherst awards scholarships for academic or extracurricular achievements, or if it's strictly based on need, I'd appreciate the info.
Also, has anyone here dealt with their financial aid office for scholarships before? Any stories or advice would help a lot as I figure out where to apply ED.
My family is in a weird spot financially—we make too much for most need-based aid but not enough to pay full tuition easily. I've gotten some merit offers from other colleges, and it would be great if Amherst had something similar. If anyone knows if Amherst awards scholarships for academic or extracurricular achievements, or if it's strictly based on need, I'd appreciate the info.
Also, has anyone here dealt with their financial aid office for scholarships before? Any stories or advice would help a lot as I figure out where to apply ED.
4 months ago
•
392 views
Lily Fang
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Amherst College does not offer merit scholarships. All of Amherst's financial aid is strictly need-based, meaning it's based on family income. This has been the case for many years, and it applies to both domestic and international students.
If your family is in that middle ground where you might not qualify for substantial need-based aid at some schools but can’t comfortably cover the full cost, this situation is quite common. However, Amherst is considered to be particularly generous with need-based aid and uses a detailed formula to assess family contribution. When you apply, you'll submit the CSS Profile (and potentially other documents, like tax returns), and Amherst will independently evaluate your financial need. Many families that don't qualify for federal aid still receive significant institutional assistance from Amherst because of how they calculate need. In fact, Amherst was only 10k more per year for me than my in-state public university after finaid.
As for dealing with their financial aid office: Amherst has a reputation for being responsive and willing to review appeals. If your circumstances change (like a parent losing a job, unexpected medical expenses, etc.), you can contact their office and request a reevaluation. One student I knew let the financial aid office know that they were supporting a grandparent significantly and they adjusted her financial aid accordingly.
For Early Decision at Amherst, know that you’re committing before you see the final financial aid offer, though you could request to be released from your ED commitment if the aid package doesn’t work for your family’s situation. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to email Amherst’s financial aid office directly—they are used to working with families in unique financial situations and can provide estimates or clarity before you apply.
Amherst is all need-based aid and they do their best to make it accessible. If a merit scholarship offer is a must, you’ll want to apply elsewhere too—but don’t write Amherst off if you’re a good fit otherwise!
If your family is in that middle ground where you might not qualify for substantial need-based aid at some schools but can’t comfortably cover the full cost, this situation is quite common. However, Amherst is considered to be particularly generous with need-based aid and uses a detailed formula to assess family contribution. When you apply, you'll submit the CSS Profile (and potentially other documents, like tax returns), and Amherst will independently evaluate your financial need. Many families that don't qualify for federal aid still receive significant institutional assistance from Amherst because of how they calculate need. In fact, Amherst was only 10k more per year for me than my in-state public university after finaid.
As for dealing with their financial aid office: Amherst has a reputation for being responsive and willing to review appeals. If your circumstances change (like a parent losing a job, unexpected medical expenses, etc.), you can contact their office and request a reevaluation. One student I knew let the financial aid office know that they were supporting a grandparent significantly and they adjusted her financial aid accordingly.
For Early Decision at Amherst, know that you’re committing before you see the final financial aid offer, though you could request to be released from your ED commitment if the aid package doesn’t work for your family’s situation. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to email Amherst’s financial aid office directly—they are used to working with families in unique financial situations and can provide estimates or clarity before you apply.
Amherst is all need-based aid and they do their best to make it accessible. If a merit scholarship offer is a must, you’ll want to apply elsewhere too—but don’t write Amherst off if you’re a good fit otherwise!