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Detailed information about Amherst admission and financial aid, alumni, arts and museumsathletics, campus news and events, academics, student life, and the library can be found in their respective sections of the College’s website. If you have remaining questions, contact the appropriate department or call (413) 542-2000.

1. Where is Amherst College?
Amherst College is located in Amherst, Massachusetts, a town of about 38,000 people in Hampshire County in the western part of the state. The College is a 90-minute drive from Boston and a three-hour drive from New York City. See our campus map, driving directions and public transportation information.

2. What is Amherst’s mailing address?
The general Amherst College address is P.O. Box 5000, Amherst, MA 01002-5000. If possible, include an individual’s name or department name on the envelope.

3. What is Amherst’s phone number?
The general Amherst College number is (413) 542-2000; also see our list of departmental phone numbers. All Amherst College phone numbers are in area code 413; the prefix for on-campus phone numbers is 542-.

4. I’m thinking of applying to Amherst. How can I get more information about the school?
Check out our Admission pages. You can also request an information packet—a viewbook and an “Affording Amherst” brochure, as well as announcements about Amherst events in your area and other important news.

5. I’m thinking of applying to Amherst. How can I arrange a visit to campus?
We encourage you to explore the Amherst community firsthand. The Admission Office offers campus tours, admission information sessions and financial aid information sessions. You’re also welcome to explore on your own schedule. Our campus is open and easy to navigate. See our online campus map and virtual tours

6. I’m interested in earning a master’s degree or Ph.D. at Amherst. How can I get more information?
Amherst College is a four-year, residential liberal arts college that offers the bachelor of arts degree in 41 majors. Amherst College does not award degrees beyond the B.A. degree. (You may be thinking of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, which is located in the same town as Amherst College but is not the same school.)

7. I’m a non-U.S. citizen. Can I be considered for admission to Amherst, and for financial aid?
Yes! Amherst College welcomes first-year and transfer applications from international students. About 10 percent of students enrolled at Amherst are international students. We provide support services through our International Students Office. And Amherst is one of very few U.S. colleges to offer need-blind financial aid for international students, just as we do for domestic students; “need-blind” means that, when evaluating your application, Amherst will not take into account whether you have applied for financial aid. 

8. How can I get the contact information of a particular student, faculty member or staff member at Amherst?
Look up the person’s name in the Campus Directory.

9. When and why was Amherst founded?
Amherst College was founded in 1821 by Congregational clergy and citizens of the Town of Amherst, including lexicographer Noah Webster and Samuel Fowler Dickinson (grandfather of poet Emily Dickinson). This group sought to create a nonsectarian institution that would educate young men—especially poor but talented students—for the ministry and other vocations. Today, Amherst is an independent liberal arts college and is not affiliated with any particular religion.

10. When did Amherst become coeducational?
Questions of coeducation at Amherst College date back to the 19th century, but the College officially became coeducational in the 1970s. In November 1974, after four years of formal review, the Board of Trustees determined (by a vote of 15 to 3) that Amherst would become a college for men and women. In fall 1975, 94 women students began classes at Amherst; 79 of these women were transfer students, and 15 were Twelve College Exchange students. Of these 15, nine chose to complete their degree at Amherst, graduating in the class of 1976. Today, Amherst welcomes students of all gender expressions and identities.