How many colleges are there in Amherst, MA?
I'm starting to look at towns with a lot of college options, and Amherst, MA keeps coming up. I've heard it's a college town, but I'm not actually sure how many colleges are in or right near Amherst.
If anyone knows specifically which schools are there (are they all part of the same system or are they different types? public, private?), I'd appreciate the details. I'm wondering how much of the town is really influenced by students being there, and if you'd recommend it as a place to consider for someone who likes that kind of community. Helpful to hear from anyone living in or near Amherst, too!
If anyone knows specifically which schools are there (are they all part of the same system or are they different types? public, private?), I'd appreciate the details. I'm wondering how much of the town is really influenced by students being there, and if you'd recommend it as a place to consider for someone who likes that kind of community. Helpful to hear from anyone living in or near Amherst, too!
4 months ago
•
83 views
Lily Fang
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Amherst, MA is definitely known for being a classic college town, and a big part of that comes from the number and variety of colleges located there or very close by.
Within Amherst itself, there are three major schools:
1. University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) – This is a large public research university, and it's the flagship campus of the UMass system. It has 30k undergrads and grads, so its presence is huge in town.
2. Amherst College – A highly selective, private liberal arts college, Amherst College is significantly smaller in size at 1,800, but very well-known. The campus is right near the main part of town, and you’ll see Amherst students all over.
3. Hampshire College – Located just south of downtown Amherst, Hampshire is a small, private liberal arts college that’s known for its alternative curriculum and focus on self-directed learning.
Just a few miles away in neighboring Northampton, you’ll also find Smith College, another highly regarded private liberal arts college. Mount Holyoke College is also nearby in South Hadley. Together with Amherst, Hampshire, and UMass, these form the “Five College Consortium.” The consortium lets students take classes at any of the member schools, which gives a lot of academic flexibility.
Because there are so many students in the area, the whole town really has a college vibe: the businesses, arts scene, cafes, and public events are shaped by the student population and the colleges. If you enjoy being around a lot of other young people, having frequent campus events, and a generally lively environment, Amherst is a great choice. On the other hand, it’s quieter in the summer when most students are away.
For example, someone who attends Amherst College often has easy access to lectures or festivals at UMass, can hang out at Hampshire’s unique farm, or join events hosted by the other colleges in the consortium. This cross-campus collaboration adds lots of options both academically and socially.
In sum, Amherst has three main colleges directly in town, plus two more just a quick free bus ride away, all of different sizes and types. If you want a place where college life is everywhere and the local scene really revolves around the students, Amherst is absolutely worth considering.
Within Amherst itself, there are three major schools:
1. University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) – This is a large public research university, and it's the flagship campus of the UMass system. It has 30k undergrads and grads, so its presence is huge in town.
2. Amherst College – A highly selective, private liberal arts college, Amherst College is significantly smaller in size at 1,800, but very well-known. The campus is right near the main part of town, and you’ll see Amherst students all over.
3. Hampshire College – Located just south of downtown Amherst, Hampshire is a small, private liberal arts college that’s known for its alternative curriculum and focus on self-directed learning.
Just a few miles away in neighboring Northampton, you’ll also find Smith College, another highly regarded private liberal arts college. Mount Holyoke College is also nearby in South Hadley. Together with Amherst, Hampshire, and UMass, these form the “Five College Consortium.” The consortium lets students take classes at any of the member schools, which gives a lot of academic flexibility.
Because there are so many students in the area, the whole town really has a college vibe: the businesses, arts scene, cafes, and public events are shaped by the student population and the colleges. If you enjoy being around a lot of other young people, having frequent campus events, and a generally lively environment, Amherst is a great choice. On the other hand, it’s quieter in the summer when most students are away.
For example, someone who attends Amherst College often has easy access to lectures or festivals at UMass, can hang out at Hampshire’s unique farm, or join events hosted by the other colleges in the consortium. This cross-campus collaboration adds lots of options both academically and socially.
In sum, Amherst has three main colleges directly in town, plus two more just a quick free bus ride away, all of different sizes and types. If you want a place where college life is everywhere and the local scene really revolves around the students, Amherst is absolutely worth considering.