"I think the discussions and interactions between students of different races and social classes have increased since I first came to Amherst as a freshman. I’m excited to see what other gaps we can bridge." - Anonymous, Psychology major, Class of 2008
"I don’t really notice [that I am a low-income student here] except when I see how freely some people spend their money." - Anonymous, Psychology major, Class of 2008
Socio-economic Make-up of Students
22% of students at Amherst have family incomes below $60,000 (economicdiversity.org)
15% of students at Amherst receive Federal Pell Grants, which mostly go to students whose family incomes are below $40,000 (economicdiversity.org)
In Amherst’s class of 2009, 12% are first generation college students, meaning that neither of their parents attended a four-year college
Campus Revolutionary - A profile of Anthony Marx, president of Amherst, highlighting his commitment to socioeconomic diversity. Business Week, February 27, 2006.
Read about the continuing discussion about diversity in The Amherst Student.
