Hampshire College, founded in 1970 in Amherst, Massachusetts, is a private liberal arts college known for its innovative, student-designed curriculum. As part of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke, and UMass Amherst, Hampshire offers unparalleled academic resources while maintaining its distinctive divisional system instead of traditional majors. The college's 800-acre campus includes the R.W. Kern Center, one of the world's greenest buildings, and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Hampshire emphasizes project-based learning, with all students completing a year-long senior thesis project.
Hampshire's location in the Pioneer Valley provides access to vibrant arts, culture, and outdoor recreation. The college's farm center supports sustainable agriculture programs, while its entrepreneurship initiatives connect students with local startups. Hampshire has produced notable alumni in film (Ken Burns), technology (Jon Krakauer), and social justice movements. The campus features extensive trails, an astronomy observatory, and alternative energy installations that serve as living laboratories for environmental studies.
Hampshire College Acceptance Rate
Hampshire College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Hampshire College is 70.35%. This means that 70 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Hampshire College Admission Requirements
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Hampshire College Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Hampshire College Profile
Name: Hampshire College
City: Amherst
State: Massachusetts
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 01002-5001
Campus: Main
Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
Can I Get Into Hampshire College Without SAT Or ACT?: Hampshire College does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Does a degree from Hampshire College Worth It?
Getting into Hampshire College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Hampshire College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Hampshire College is USD: 76753.95 and unemployment rate is 3.07%.
How much does a degree from Hampshire College Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Hampshire College is USD: 71224. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Hampshire College is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
37.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 58.46 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Hampshire College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Hampshire College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Hampshire College as your choice in the form.
How much a Hampshire College Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 46938. An average Hampshire College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Agriculture, General
- Anthropology
- Architecture
- Area Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Classical and Ancient Studies
Frequently Asked Questions About Hampshire College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $46938 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $71224 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Hampshire College is 70.35 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Hampshire College.
Last Updated: Saturday February 07, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.