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University of Northwestern-St Paul vs St Olaf College

University of Northwestern-St Paul 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 University of Northwestern-St Paul about 93%, making St Olaf College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $23,874 a year at St Olaf College after aid, and about $27,705 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. About 84% of students graduate at St Olaf College, compared with 68% at University of Northwestern-St Paul. Ten years after enrolling, St Olaf College alumni earn a median of about $65,543, against $50,755 for University of Northwestern-St Paul.

University of Northwestern-St Paul

Saint Paul, MN · Private

St Olaf College

Northfield, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Northfield, MN
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,442
3,093
Acceptance rate
93%
48%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.15–3.65
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
868–1271
1300–1470
ACT (middle 50%)
20–28
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$27,705
$23,874
Full cost / yr
$51,325
$71,843
In-state tuition
$37,920
$59,760
Out-of-state tuition
$37,920
$59,760
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$26,696
$10,404
$30k - $48k
$23,884
$11,342
$48k - $75k
$21,689
$12,584
$75k - $110k
$25,267
$20,367
Over $110k
$31,348
$33,166
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
84%
Freshman retention
83%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,544
$48,373
Median earnings (10 yr)
$50,755
$65,543
Median debt at graduation
$21,325
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
21%
First-generation students
16%
13%
International students
1%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Aug 1
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 University of Northwestern-St Paul or St Olaf College harder to get into?
St Olaf College is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 93% at University of Northwestern-St Paul. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Northwestern-St Paul or St Olaf College?
St Olaf College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,874 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,705 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. 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 University of Northwestern-St Paul and St Olaf College?
Before aid, University of Northwestern-St Paul costs about $51,325 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, University of Northwestern-St Paul or St Olaf College?
St Olaf College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,404 there, against about $26,696 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Northwestern-St Paul or St Olaf College?
St Olaf College is the larger of the two, with about 3,093 undergraduates against 1,442 at University of Northwestern-St Paul.
Does University of Northwestern-St Paul or St Olaf College have a better graduation rate?
St Olaf College has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 68% at University of Northwestern-St Paul.
Do graduates of University of Northwestern-St Paul 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 $50,755 for University of Northwestern-St Paul. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Northwestern-St Paul and St Olaf College require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Northwestern-St Paul 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 University of Northwestern-St Paul and St Olaf College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 868–1271 at University of Northwestern-St Paul and 1300–1470 at St Olaf College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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