Hamilton College vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

Compare Hamilton College in Clinton, NY with Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Hamilton College is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (2,031 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hamilton College is located in Clinton, NY (Rural Fringe setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Hamilton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hamilton College 9:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

Hamilton College vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hamilton College or Muhlenberg 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 Hamilton College than Muhlenberg College ($28,719 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 16.9% lower than at Hamilton College ($14,548 vs. $17,510).
• Hamilton College is 9.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $6,155 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.8% higher at Hamilton College than at Muhlenberg College (about $6,155 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at Hamilton College (99% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 30.5% larger than aid received by Muhlenberg College students ($55,511 vs. $42,545).

Hamilton College vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hamilton College or Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College and Hamilton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 170 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Hamilton College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Muhlenberg College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 1450/1550; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 33/35; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hamilton College - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hamilton College students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at Hamilton College vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Hamilton College vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hamilton College and Muhlenberg 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).

• Hamilton College's six-year graduation rate (89%) is higher than Muhlenberg College's (86%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $15,300 more per year than Muhlenberg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $63,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $10,730 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($15,760 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $111 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($162 vs. $273).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Muhlenberg College students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 84%)

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.