College Comparison
Bowdoin College vs St. Olaf College
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
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
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Explore by Location
Bowdoin is in Brunswick, ME
St. Olaf is in Northfield, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
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.

