# Amherst College's Open Curriculum Approach Sets It Apart
Amherst College stands out among elite liberal arts institutions for its distinctive educational model, particularly its lack of mandatory general education requirements.
The Massachusetts-based school requires only one first-year seminar focused on writing and critical thinking. Beyond that single course, students design their own academic paths entirely. This contrasts sharply with peer institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, which mandate core curricula covering subjects like mathematics, sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
For families evaluating college options, this approach carries real implications. Schools with strict core requirements can limit flexibility and extend graduation timelines if students change majors or interests. Amherst's model allows undergraduates to specialize earlier and potentially graduate faster, reducing overall tuition costs.
The college also participates in a consortium with nearby University of Massachusetts Amherst and other regional institutions. This partnership expands course offerings without inflating the college's own budget and faculty, meaning students access more specialized programs across multiple campuses.
Amherst's tuition and fees currently run approximately $63,000 annually, with room and board adding roughly $20,000. The college meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for admitted students and practices need-blind admissions, meaning admission decisions don't factor in ability to pay.
The school's endowment, one of the largest for a liberal arts college, supports its financial aid commitments. This matters for prospective students from lower and middle-income families. Unlike schools that gap aid packages with loans, Amherst commits to meeting full need with grants rather than debt.
The open curriculum appeals to self-directed learners who thrive without structure but can overwhelm students who benefit from guided requirements. Advisors help navigate course selection, but final responsibility rests with students.
For savers planning for college,