Students at Hamline University, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, achieve earnings that rank among the top 10% nationally, demonstrating exceptional economic mobility outcomes.
The university consistently delivers earnings beyond expectations that exceed similar institutions by over $5,000 annually, making it a standout choice for families seeking genuine return on investment.
Hamline University delivers strong value through its combination of personalized education and solid long-term outcomes, particularly for students from modest backgrounds. This small private university in Saint Paul enrolls about 40% Pell Grant recipients and 23% first-generation students, yet consistently helps these students achieve earnings that place the institution among the top performers nationally for low-income student outcomes.
Graduates earn a median of $61,106 ten years after enrollment, with the university achieving earnings beyond expectations that exceed similar institutions by over $5,000 annually. What makes Hamline distinctive is how it combines the intimate scale of a small liberal arts college with outcomes typically associated with much larger research universities, particularly for students who might struggle to find their footing at bigger institutions.
The university's strength lies in its ability to support diverse learners through completion and into careers that provide genuine economic mobility. With a 58% six-year graduation rate and strong earnings performance across its program portfolio, Hamline represents a compelling option for families seeking both academic support and financial return on their educational investment.
Hamline University's program portfolio reflects its liberal arts mission while maintaining strong career preparation across key professional fields. Psychology leads enrollment with 60 graduates annually, providing the analytical and research skills that support diverse career paths, though early earnings of $34,450 reflect the field's typical trajectory toward higher compensation with experience and additional credentialing. Legal Studies, with 39 graduates, prepares students for law school and paralegal careers with median earnings of $42,044, while Business Administration graduates see stronger initial compensation at $44,970.
The university's strength lies not in any single high-earning program but in its ability to prepare students across disciplines for long-term career success. The relatively modest program scale allows for personalized attention and mentorship that helps students navigate career transitions effectively. This approach particularly benefits students in fields like Psychology and Legal Studies, where success often depends on developing strong professional networks and gaining relevant experience beyond the classroom.
What distinguishes Hamline's programs is their consistent ability to deliver earnings beyond expectations regardless of field. The university's small scale creates opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and close faculty relationships that help students develop the critical thinking and communication skills valued across professional contexts, contributing to the strong long-term earnings outcomes that exceed what similar students achieve at comparable institutions.
Hamline University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $61,106, placing the university in the 67th percentile nationally for earnings performance. More importantly, Hamline delivers earnings beyond expectations of over $5,000 annually compared with similar students at other institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add genuine value to student outcomes.
The university's program portfolio reflects its liberal arts foundation while maintaining strong career preparation. Psychology graduates, representing the largest program with 60 students, earn around $34,450 early in their careers but benefit from the broad analytical and communication skills that support long-term advancement. Business Administration graduates see stronger initial earnings at $44,970, while Legal Studies majors earn approximately $42,044, reflecting the university's strength in preparing students for professional careers that often require additional credentialing.
What distinguishes Hamline is how consistently its graduates outperform earnings expectations across different fields of study. The university's small scale allows for personalized career guidance and strong alumni networks that help students navigate early career transitions effectively. This combination of academic preparation and career support helps explain why Hamline graduates achieve earnings that exceed what similar students earn at comparable institutions nationwide.
Hamline University maintains relatively accessible pricing for a private institution, though costs vary significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay an average net price of $18,011 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $19,628 per year. Higher-income families face substantially higher net prices at $27,061, reflecting the university's financial aid strategy that prioritizes support for students with the greatest need.
The university's financial aid approach helps make private education accessible to students from modest backgrounds, with nearly 40% of students receiving Pell Grants. Most graduates manage debt levels that align reasonably with their post-graduation earning potential, with typical federal student loan debt of $23,770 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $19,238. These debt levels, while meaningful, remain manageable given Hamline's strong earnings outcomes and the premium that often comes with private education.
What makes Hamline's affordability story particularly compelling is the return on investment for families who do take on debt. With graduates earning over $61,000 ten years out and achieving earnings beyond expectations, most borrowers find themselves in a position to handle standard repayment comfortably while building long-term financial security.
Hamline University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
