Hamilton College vs. Oberlin

Comparable Facts

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

Oberlin College is larger than Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (2,909 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Hamilton College vs. Oberlin Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hamilton College or Oberlin? 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 Oberlin ($28,719 vs. $51,624).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hamilton College are 10.3% lower than at Oberlin College ($17,510 vs. $19,510).
• Hamilton College is 2.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Oberlin (about $1,594 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $67,366.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.4% higher at Hamilton College than at Oberlin College (about $1,594 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $67,366.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oberlin College than at Hamilton College (99% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 55.1% larger than aid received by Oberlin College students ($55,511 vs. $35,780).

Hamilton College vs. Oberlin Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 60 points higher than at Oberlin (1440).
• Incoming Hamilton College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at Oberlin).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 1450/1550; Oberlin College 1360/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 33/35; Oberlin College 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hamilton College - Test optional; Oberlin - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027; Oberlin Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hamilton College students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Oberlin (3.67).
• Oberlin has a higher acceptance rate (34.2%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at Hamilton College vs. 19.5% at Oberlin.

Hamilton College vs. Oberlin Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hamilton College and Oberlin? 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 Oberlin College's (88%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $35,100 more per year than Oberlin graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $10,819 lower median loan debt than Oberlin graduates ($15,760 vs. $26,579).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $112 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Oberlin graduates ($162 vs. $274).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Oberlin students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 82%)

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.