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Hamline University vs St Olaf College

Hamline University is a private university in Saint Paul, MN. St Olaf College is a private college in Northfield, MN. St Olaf College admits about 48% of applicants and Hamline University about 88%, making St Olaf 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 $23,874 at St Olaf College. About 84% of students graduate at St Olaf College, compared with 59% at Hamline University. Ten years after enrolling, St Olaf College alumni earn a median of about $65,543, against $61,106 for Hamline University.

Hamline University

Saint Paul, MN · Private

St Olaf College

Northfield, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Northfield, MN
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,776
3,093
Acceptance rate
88%
48%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1133–1391
1300–1470
ACT (middle 50%)
19–28
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,744
$23,874
Full cost / yr
$58,110
$71,843
In-state tuition
$50,004
$59,760
Out-of-state tuition
$50,004
$59,760
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,371
$10,404
$30k - $48k
$18,001
$11,342
$48k - $75k
$16,767
$12,584
$75k - $110k
$21,015
$20,367
Over $110k
$27,196
$33,166
Outcomes
Graduation rate
59%
84%
Freshman retention
78%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,139
$48,373
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,106
$65,543
Median debt at graduation
$23,770
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
21%
First-generation students
23%
13%
International students
0%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
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 Hamline University or St Olaf College harder to get into?
St Olaf College is harder to get into. It admits about 48% 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, Hamline University or St Olaf College?
Hamline University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,744 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,874 at St Olaf 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 Hamline University and St Olaf College?
Before aid, Hamline University costs about $58,110 a year and St Olaf College about $71,843. 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, Hamline University or St Olaf College?
St Olaf College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,404 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, Hamline University or St Olaf College?
St Olaf College is the larger of the two, with about 3,093 undergraduates against 1,776 at Hamline University.
Does Hamline University or St Olaf College have a better graduation rate?
St Olaf College has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 59% at Hamline University.
Do graduates of Hamline University or St Olaf College earn more?
St Olaf College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $65,543 ten years after enrolling, against about $61,106 for Hamline University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Hamline University and St Olaf College require SAT or ACT scores?
Hamline University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. St Olaf College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Hamline University and St Olaf College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1133–1391 at Hamline University and 1300–1470 at St Olaf College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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