Bowdoin College vs. Hamilton College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME with Hamilton College in Clinton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Hamilton College is larger than Bowdoin College based on total student enrollment (2,031 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, ME (Distant Town setting); Hamilton College is in Clinton, NY (Rural Fringe setting).
• Bowdoin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hamilton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowdoin College 9:1; Hamilton College 9:1.

Bowdoin College vs. Hamilton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowdoin College or Hamilton College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bowdoin College than Hamilton College ($22,228 vs. $28,719).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hamilton College are 5.3% lower than at Bowdoin College ($17,510 vs. $18,488).
• Hamilton College is 1.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowdoin College (about $1,128 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $67,832.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.7% higher at Hamilton College than at Bowdoin College (about $1,128 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $67,832.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hamilton College than at Bowdoin College (56% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bowdoin College students is 13.3% larger than aid received by Hamilton College students ($62,872 vs. $55,511).

Bowdoin College vs. Hamilton College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowdoin College or Hamilton College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Hamilton College and Bowdoin College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowdoin College (1510) is 10 points higher than at Hamilton College (1500).
• Incoming Bowdoin College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Hamilton College (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 1470/1550; Hamilton College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 33/35; Hamilton College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowdoin College - Test optional; Hamilton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027; Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027.
• Hamilton College has a higher acceptance rate (13.6%) than Bowdoin College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.6% at Bowdoin College vs. 39% at Hamilton College.

Bowdoin College vs. Hamilton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowdoin College and Hamilton College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bowdoin College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Hamilton College's (89%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than Bowdoin College graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $75,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $3,073 lower median loan debt than Bowdoin College graduates ($15,760 vs. $18,833).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bowdoin College graduates ($162 vs. $194).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowdoin College students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 87%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.