Carleton College Overview

Carleton College is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Northfield, MN. It has an enrollment of 2,008 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 17.55%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $31,800. Tuition is $60,225.00 without financial aid.

Carleton College is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Carleton College, 94.91% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Carleton College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1.

Carleton College Website

Carleton College Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 17.55%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required.

• The average SAT score was 1482.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 33.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Carleton College Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $31,800.

The average tuition is:

• $14,936, when family income is less than $30,000

• $15,081, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $15,054, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $25,038, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $44,740, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 43.87% of students received a federal student loan and 14.18% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $60,225.00 without financial aid.

Carleton College Net Price Calculator

Carleton College Majors/Salaries

Carleton College has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Carleton College here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $76,460
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,329
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,034
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,568
• Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,141
• Physics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,774
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,719
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• Social Sciences, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
• Film/Video and Photographic Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,964
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,964

Carleton College Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Carleton College

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.10%
• Asian: 9.91%
• Black: 6.27%
• Hispanic: 8.96%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.00%
• Non-resident alien: 10.26%
• Two or more races: 8.17%
• Unknown: 2.24%
• White: 54.08%

At Carleton College, 0.24% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Carleton College Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Carleton College?

Carleton College is known for having a strong school spirit. The college’s student body is highly engaged and supportive of various school events and activities. The college also has several traditions that contribute to the strong sense of community, such as the annual celebration of The Bald Spot, a grassy area in the center of campus where seniors gather on the last day of classes to socialize, take photos and celebrate their time at Carleton. Additionally, sports teams at Carleton College, known as the Knights, are quite popular, with many students attending games and cheering on their classmates. Overall, Carleton College is known for its vibrant and enthusiastic student body.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Carleton College?

Carleton College has a wide range of extracurricular activities available for students to participate in. Here are some of the most popular ones: 1. A Capella Groups – Carleton has several a cappella groups, including the Knights, the Accidentals, and the Tone Rangers. 2. Club Sports – Carleton offers a variety of club sports, including ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and soccer. 3. Student Government – Carleton’s student government is highly active and involved in campus life. 4. Theater – Carleton’s theater program is highly regarded, and students can participate in productions throughout the academic year. 5. Music Ensemble – Carleton’s music department offers a wide range of ensembles, including orchestra, choir, and jazz band. 6. Sustainability Initiatives – Carleton has a strong commitment to sustainability, and students can get involved in initiatives such as the campus garden and composting program. 7. Volunteer Organizations – Carleton has several volunteer organizations, including the Carleton Community Outreach Partnership, which offers tutoring and mentoring services to local schools.

How are the food choices at Carleton College?

Carleton College has a reputation for having excellent dining options for their students. There are multiple dining halls on campus, and they offer a diverse range of food choices that cater to various dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and halal options. Additionally, the dining halls often source their food locally and sustainably, which contributes to the high quality of the meals served. There are also many “to-go” options for students who are unable to eat a sit-down meal in the dining halls. Overall, students at Carleton College are generally satisfied with the food choices available to them on campus.

Is there Greek life at Carleton College?

No, Carleton College does not have Greek life or fraternities and sororities. Carleton values a diverse and inclusive community and instead offers a variety of other student-run organizations and clubs for students to get involved and build a sense of community.

What is Carleton College known for?

Carleton College is known for its rigorous academic programs, especially in the fields of natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The college has a strong focus on undergraduate education and provides a liberal arts curriculum that encourages students to explore a wide range of subjects. Carleton is also known for its small class sizes, close-knit community, and beautiful campus located in Northfield, Minnesota. Additionally, the college is highly selective and has a reputation for attracting top-performing students from around the world.

What are the most popular school clubs at Carleton College?

Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota has a wide range of student clubs and organizations! Some of the most popular clubs include: 1. Carleton Student Association (CSA) – the student government body of Carleton College, responsible for planning student activities, distributing funds, and advocating for student interests. 2. The Cave – a student-run coffee shop and lounge that provides a relaxed atmosphere where students can study, socialize, and enjoy live music and other performances. 3. The Music Department – which offers a variety of ensemble groups for students to participate in, including the Carleton Choir, Jazz Ensemble, and Orchestra. 4. The Outing Club – for students who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and rock climbing. 5. The Women’s Rugby Club – a highly competitive team that competes against other colleges in the area. 6. Carleton Democrats and Republicans – political organizations for students who are interested in politics and government. 7. The Entrepreneur Club – a space for students to gather and discuss business ideas, get advice from professionals and network with alumni. These are just a few of the many clubs and groups available at Carleton College.

Is the campus at Carleton College safe?

Yes, Carleton College is considered a safe campus. Campus safety is a top priority at Carleton, and the college has its own campus safety department which operates 24/7, every day of the year. The department employs trained professionals who are dedicated to maintaining the safety and security of the campus community. Additionally, Carleton has a variety of public safety programs and initiatives that promote personal safety, crime prevention, and emergency preparedness.