Hampshire Acceptance Rate

Hampshire College, located in Amherst, Massachusetts, is known for its innovative, student-driven approach to education. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), Hampshire College reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 68.9%, based on data from the Common Data Set and historical trends. This rate reflects a moderately selective admissions process, influenced by factors such as the size of the applicant pool, which has fluctuated in recent years, and the college’s unique portfolio-based application system. While Hampshire College does not always publish detailed admission statistics publicly, some data is accessible through official sources like the Common Data Set, providing transparency into their process.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 68.9% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 2,000 applicants and around 1,380 admitted students, consistent with prior years.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable for the most recent cycle. Historically, early applicants may see slightly higher acceptance rates due to demonstrated interest, estimated at around 70-75%.
• International Student Rate: Specific data unavailable. Based on regional norms for small liberal arts colleges, the rate is estimated at 60-65%, reflecting additional scrutiny in admissions.

Over the past few years, Hampshire College’s acceptance rate has remained relatively stable, hovering between 60-70%, indicating moderate competitiveness compared to more selective liberal arts colleges like Amherst or Williams, which often have rates below 20%. The college’s focus on individualized learning and alternative evaluation methods (no grades or traditional majors) may attract a self-selecting applicant pool, impacting selectivity. Early action or decision options, when utilized, often yield higher acceptance rates, as they signal strong interest to the admissions committee. For international students, admissions can be more competitive due to limited spots and financial aid constraints. Prospective students can find additional details on the official Hampshire College admissions website at https://www.hampshire.edu/admissions or through the Common Data Set for historical context.