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If you find yourself on campus these days and encounter a member of the class of 2026, there’s a solid chance that student’s name begins with an A.
You might meet an Amelia, an Alejandra, an Anoushka or an Andrew (which is the most common name among new Amherst students). In fact, 17 percent of the new class has an “A” name. Here are some other—arguably more consequential—facts about the 467 first-years and 18 new transfer students.
Illustration by Karlotta Freier
Admission Stats
14,684
Applicants to the class of 2026
1,079
Number accepted
7.3%
Acceptance rate
About the New Students
4
Military veterans
49%
Domestic students of color
12%
International students
17%
First-generation college students
20%
Pell Grant recipients
57%
Receiving Amherst College financial aid
New York
Most common home state