Carleton College vs. Hamline University

Comparable Facts

Compare Carleton College in Northfield, MN with Hamline University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Hamline University is larger than Carleton College based on total student enrollment (2,565 students vs. 2,128 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carleton College is located in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting); Hamline University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Carleton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hamline University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carleton College 8:1; Hamline University 14:1.

Carleton College vs. Hamline University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carleton College or Hamline University? 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 Hamline University than Carleton College ($22,390 vs. $28,047).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hamline University are 29.5% lower than at Carleton College ($12,400 vs. $17,586).
• Carleton College is 37.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hamline University (about $18,888 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $50,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.8% higher at Carleton College than at Hamline University (about $18,888 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $50,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hamline University than at Carleton College (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carleton College students is 58.6% larger than aid received by Hamline University students ($56,846 vs. $35,851).

Carleton College vs. Hamline University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Carleton College or Hamline University? 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 Hamline University and Carleton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carleton College (1510) is 250 points higher than at Hamline University (1260).
• Incoming Carleton College students have a 10 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 23 at Hamline University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 1450/1560; Hamline University 1133/1391.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 32/34; Hamline University 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carleton College - Test optional; Hamline University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carleton College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carleton College students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Hamline University (3.48).
• Hamline University has a higher acceptance rate (87.6%) than Carleton College (20.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Carleton College vs. 15.9% at Hamline University.

Carleton College vs. Hamline University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carleton College and Hamline University? 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).

• Carleton College's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Hamline University's (68%).
• Graduates from Carleton College earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than Hamline University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,600 vs. $55,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carleton College graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than Hamline University graduates ($19,500 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Carleton College graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hamline University graduates ($201 vs. $250).
• More Carleton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hamline University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 73%)

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.