How does Amherst College handle financial aid for transfer students?

I'm considering transferring to Amherst College and I'm curious about their financial aid policies for transfer students. Does anyone know if they offer the same aid packages as they do for freshmen? Any insights would be appreciated!

Amherst College is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, and this applies to transfer students as well. So, their financial aid is need-based and typically very generous. When creating your financial aid package, Amherst strives to replace loans with grants and work-study opportunities as much as possible.

Just like for incoming first-year students, transfer students must submit the CSS Profile and the FAFSA to be considered for financial aid. If you're an international student, you only need to submit the CSS Profile. Amherst College's financial aid is need-blind for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, and undocumented students. For international students, it's need-aware.

It's essential to pay attention to the application deadlines and submit your documents on time so that a thorough and accurate financial aid award can be made. Also, remember that financial aid needs to be reapplied for each year, as packages may be adjusted based on changes in family income, assets, family size, number in college, and the college's costs from year to year.

For high-need transfer students, it's even possible to have the summer earnings contribution replaced by grant aid, which could be beneficial if it's tough for you to work over the summer. If you need a student contribution waiver due to hardship, there's a petition process to request it.

Keep in mind, though, that transferring can impact merit scholarships or other financial aid you're currently receiving at your present college, as these don't typically transfer over.

So yes, Amherst's financial aid for transfer students is robust and is designed to make the cost of attending feasible for all admitted students. And don't hesitate to reach out to the Amherst financial aid office if you have additional questions about the process or your unique situation. They're there to help and they've guided many students in similar circumstances before.