At $21,385/yr net price, Hamline University graduates earn $61,106/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,106/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,385 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,540 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,106/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,106/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,770 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,011/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,893/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,628/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,313/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,061/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration. | Master | $66,653 | $33,398 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,238 | $37,725 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $62,012 | $17,924 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $59,756 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,860 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $55,964 | $17,849 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $50,320 | $35,449 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $49,058 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,970 | $24,625 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $44,942 |
The Risk Factor
57.7% of students at Hamline University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Hamline University delivers mixed financial returns that heavily depend on your major choice. The $61,106 median salary after ten years barely justifies the investment for many programs, especially considering the 57% graduation rate means four in ten students leave without a degree.
Public administration and business management graduates earn the strongest returns, with salaries reaching $66,653 and $65,238 respectively. Education majors also perform well financially, earning $62,012 with notably lower debt loads of $17,924. However, law graduates earn just $59,756 despite likely higher educational costs, making the legal program a questionable investment.
The school's biggest financial risk is its low retention rate of 74%, indicating many students struggle academically or financially. If you transfer or drop out, you'll carry debt without the degree needed to access higher-paying jobs. The relatively high median debt of $23,770 compounds this risk.
Hamline works best for Minnesota residents planning careers in education, public service, or business who value small class sizes and can graduate on time. The Twin Cities job market supports these fields reasonably well. However, you should look elsewhere if you're considering law, need strong career services for job placement, or can't afford to potentially extend your time to graduation.
With nearly 40% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships are available but not guaranteed. Focus on demonstrating academic readiness during admissions since struggling students face higher dropout risk. Consider the total four-year cost carefully, as the net price of $21,385 per year adds up quickly if you need extra time to complete your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hamline University worth the cost?
Hamline's graduates earn $61,106 ten years after starting, which is reasonable for the $21,385 annual net price. However, the 57% graduation rate means many students don't finish, making it risky for students who aren't strong academically.
What are the best paying majors at Hamline University?
Public Administration leads at $66,653 annually, followed by Business Administration at $65,238. Law graduates earn $59,756, which is low compared to other law programs nationwide.
How much debt do Hamline University graduates have?
The median debt is $23,770, which is manageable given typical graduate earnings around $61,000. Students who don't graduate face the biggest financial risk since they carry debt without the degree.
Does Hamline University have good financial aid?
The net price of $21,385 suggests decent financial aid since the sticker price is higher. With an 80% acceptance rate, most students can get in, but aid quality varies significantly by family income.