Luther- Norse vs. Hamline University

Comparable Facts

Compare Luther College in Decorah, IA 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 Luther- Norse based on total student enrollment (2,565 students vs. 1,384 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Luther College is located in Decorah, IA (Remote Town setting); Hamline University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hamline University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Luther College 9:1; Hamline University 14:1.

Luther- Norse vs. Hamline University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Luther- Norse 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 Luther- Norse ($22,390 vs. $24,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Luther College are 7% lower than at Hamline University ($11,530 vs. $12,400).
• Luther College is 4.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hamline University (about $2,116 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $50,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at Luther- Norse than at Hamline University (about $2,116 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $50,004.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Luther College as at Hamline University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Luther College students is 14.1% larger than aid received by Hamline University students ($40,917 vs. $35,851).

Luther- Norse vs. Hamline University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Luther- Norse 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 Luther- Norse.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamline University (1260) is 20 points higher than at Luther- Norse (1240).
• Incoming Luther- Norse students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Hamline University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 1078/1406; Hamline University 1133/1391.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 22/29; Hamline University 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Luther- Norse - Test optional; Hamline University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Luther- Norse students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Hamline University (3.48).
• Hamline University has a higher acceptance rate (87.6%) than Luther- Norse (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Luther- Norse vs. 15.9% at Hamline University.

Luther- Norse vs. Hamline University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Luther- Norse 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).

• Luther College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Hamline University's (68%).
• Graduates from Hamline University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Luther- Norse graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,100 vs. $50,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamline University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Luther- Norse graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Hamline University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Luther- Norse graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Luther- Norse graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hamline University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.