Since our 1821 founding, Amherst has demonstrated steadfast confidence in the value of the liberal arts and the importance of critical thinking. Small classes, an open curriculum and a singular focus on undergraduate education ensure that leading scholars engage daily with talented, curious students, equipping them for leadership in an increasingly global and complex world.

diverse crowd of students taking a group selfie at the homecoming football game

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Amherst is proud of its work to recruit, admit, and enroll a diverse student body. We’re dedicated to creating a sense of belonging in our close-knit community. 

A group of students in a tent working over a table of seedlings

Sustainability

Sustainability is a core principle that guides all of our operations—from the food served (and grown on our campus farm) to the vehicles driven. With our Climate Action Plan, we aim to achieve climate neutrality by 2030.

Michael Elliott smiling

College Leadership

Meet our president, Michael A. Elliott ’92, and our Board of Trustees.

Mammoth logo and tagline Amherst Mammoths

Amherst Traditions

Our mascot is the Mammoth. We’re the “Singing College“ and the “Writing College.” And every Amherst graduate is given a Conway Cane. 

President's House

Amherst History

For over two centuries, Amherst has been educating a talented, diverse student body. See Amherst’s historical “firsts,” visit our Bicentennial pages, see an interactive timeline, and more.