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College Comparison

Bowdoin College vs St. Olaf College

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Bowdoin College
#26
Bowdoin College
Brunswick, ME
Private
St. Olaf College
#137
St. Olaf College
Northfield, MN
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Brunswick, ME

Northfield, MN

Total Enrollment

1,881

3,124

Undergrad Enrollment

1,881

3,124

Student-Faculty Ratio

9:1

11:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

7.1%

48.3%

Average GPA

3.93

3.74

SAT Range

1470–1550

1300–1470

ACT Range

33–35

28–32

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$65

$0

Total Applicants

13,265

6,623


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$79,440

$68,280

Avg Net Price

$20,786

$22,752

Tuition (In-State)

$60,952

$54,650

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$60,952

$54,650

Room & Board

$18,488

$13,630

% Receiving Aid

55.0%

100.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$62,872

$45,098


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

86.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

82.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

92.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$82,735

$65,543

Explore by Location

Bowdoin is in Brunswick, ME

St. Olaf is in Northfield, MN

Want to compare different schools?
Frequently Asked Questions

Bowdoin College has an acceptance rate of 7%, while St. Olaf College has an acceptance rate of 48%. This means Bowdoin College is more selective than St. Olaf College.

The average net price at Bowdoin College is $20,786 per year, compared to $22,752 at St. Olaf College. Bowdoin College is $1,966 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Bowdoin College typically score between 1470-1550 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At St. Olaf College, the typical SAT range is 1300-1470. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Bowdoin College has a graduation rate of 94%, while St. Olaf College has a graduation rate of 86%. Bowdoin College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Bowdoin College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, while St. Olaf College has a ratio of 11:1. Bowdoin College offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Bowdoin College, 55% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $62,872. At St. Olaf College, 100% of students receive aid with an average grant of $45,098.

The median earnings for Bowdoin College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $82,735, compared to $65,543 for St. Olaf College graduates. Graduates from Bowdoin College tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, ME in a town: fringe setting. St. Olaf College is located in Northfield, MN in a town: distant setting.