Hamline University vs. St Olaf

Comparable Facts

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

St Olaf College is larger than Hamline University based on total student enrollment (3,124 students vs. 2,565 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hamline University is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); St Olaf College is in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting).
• Hamline University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. St Olaf College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hamline University 14:1; St Olaf College 11:1.

Hamline University vs. St Olaf Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hamline University or St Olaf? 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 St Olaf ($22,390 vs. $26,756).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hamline University are 9% lower than at St Olaf College ($12,400 vs. $13,630).
• St Olaf College is 19.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hamline University (about $9,756 more per year; $59,760.00 vs. $50,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.5% higher at St Olaf than at Hamline University (about $9,756 more per year; $59,760.00 vs. $50,004.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Hamline University as at St Olaf College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by St Olaf College students is 25.8% larger than aid received by Hamline University students ($45,098 vs. $35,851).

Hamline University vs. St Olaf Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hamline University or St Olaf? 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 St Olaf and Hamline University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at St Olaf College (1390) is 130 points higher than at Hamline University (1260).
• Incoming St Olaf students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 23 at Hamline University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamline University 1133/1391; St Olaf College 1300/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamline University 19/28; St Olaf College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hamline University - Test optional; St Olaf - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St Olaf Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman St Olaf students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Hamline University (3.48).
• Hamline University has a higher acceptance rate (87.6%) than St Olaf (48.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Hamline University vs. 26.8% at St Olaf.

Hamline University vs. St Olaf Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hamline University and St Olaf? 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).

• St Olaf College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Hamline University's (68%).
• Graduates from Hamline University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than St Olaf graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,100 vs. $53,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamline University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than St Olaf graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Hamline University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St Olaf graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More St Olaf graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hamline University students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.