Northwestern vs. Hamline University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern University in Evanston, IL with Hamline University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern University is larger than Hamline University based on total student enrollment (23,856 students vs. 2,565 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL (Small City setting); Hamline University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Northwestern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hamline University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern University 6:1; Hamline University 14:1.

Northwestern vs. Hamline University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern 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 Northwestern ($22,390 vs. $26,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hamline University are 41.3% lower than at Northwestern University ($12,400 vs. $21,126).
• Northwestern University is 36.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hamline University (about $18,318 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $50,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.6% higher at Northwestern than at Hamline University (about $18,318 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $50,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hamline University than at Northwestern University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern University students is 79.7% larger than aid received by Hamline University students ($64,429 vs. $35,851).

Northwestern vs. Hamline University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern 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 Northwestern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern University (1540) is 280 points higher than at Hamline University (1260).
• Incoming Northwestern students have a 11 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 23 at Hamline University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 1510/1570; Hamline University 1133/1391.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 33/35; Hamline University 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern - Test optional; Hamline University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwestern Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Hamline University (3.48).
• Hamline University has a higher acceptance rate (87.6%) than Northwestern (7.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.3% at Northwestern vs. 15.9% at Hamline University.

Northwestern vs. Hamline University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern 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).

• Northwestern University's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than Hamline University's (68%).
• Graduates from Northwestern University earn a median of about $34,700 more per year than Hamline University graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,800 vs. $55,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern University graduates have a $4,872 lower median loan debt than Hamline University graduates ($19,378 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hamline University graduates ($200 vs. $250).
• More Northwestern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hamline University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.