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Carleton College vs Hamline University

Carleton College is a private college in Northfield, MN. Hamline University is a private university in Saint Paul, MN. Carleton College admits about 20% of applicants and Hamline University about 88%, making Carleton College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $20,744 a year at Hamline University after aid, and about $25,407 at Carleton College. About 90% of students graduate at Carleton College, compared with 59% at Hamline University. Ten years after enrolling, Carleton College alumni earn a median of about $75,525, against $61,106 for Hamline University.

Carleton College

Northfield, MN · Private

Hamline University

Saint Paul, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Northfield, MN
Saint Paul, MN
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,086
1,776
Acceptance rate
20%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.56–4
3.37–3.87
SAT (middle 50%)
1450–1560
1133–1391
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
19–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,407
$20,744
Full cost / yr
$84,893
$58,110
In-state tuition
$68,892
$50,004
Out-of-state tuition
$68,892
$50,004
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,881
$15,371
$30k - $48k
$8,203
$18,001
$48k - $75k
$9,680
$16,767
$75k - $110k
$18,485
$21,015
Over $110k
$44,082
$27,196
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
59%
Freshman retention
96%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,989
$47,139
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,525
$61,106
Median debt at graduation
$16,750
$23,770
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
41%
First-generation students
16%
23%
International students
10%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Carleton College or Hamline University harder to get into?
Carleton College is harder to get into. It admits about 20% of applicants, compared with 88% at Hamline University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Carleton College or Hamline University?
Hamline University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,744 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,407 at Carleton College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Carleton College and Hamline University?
Before aid, Hamline University costs about $58,110 a year and Carleton College about $84,893. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Carleton College or Hamline University?
Carleton College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,881 there, against about $15,371 at Hamline University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Carleton College or Hamline University?
Carleton College is the larger of the two, with about 2,086 undergraduates against 1,776 at Hamline University.
Does Carleton College or Hamline University have a better graduation rate?
Carleton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 59% at Hamline University.
Do graduates of Carleton College or Hamline University earn more?
Carleton College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,525 ten years after enrolling, against about $61,106 for Hamline University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Carleton College and Hamline University require SAT or ACT scores?
Carleton College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Hamline University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Carleton College and Hamline University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1450–1560 at Carleton College and 1133–1391 at Hamline University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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Which of these is the better fit for you?

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