Carleton College vs. Augustana University

Comparable Facts

Compare Carleton College in Northfield, MN with Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Augustana University is larger than Carleton College based on total student enrollment (2,390 students vs. 2,128 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carleton College is located in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting); Augustana University is in Sioux Falls, SD (Midsize City setting).
• Carleton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Augustana University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carleton College 8:1; Augustana University 12:1.

Carleton College vs. Augustana University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carleton College or Augustana University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Augustana University than Carleton College ($24,977 vs. $28,047).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Augustana University are 41.3% lower than at Carleton College ($10,326 vs. $17,586).
• Carleton College is 71.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Augustana University (about $28,732 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $40,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.5% higher at Carleton College than at Augustana University (about $28,732 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $40,160.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Augustana University than at Carleton College (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carleton College students is 86.7% larger than aid received by Augustana University students ($56,846 vs. $30,445).

Carleton College vs. Augustana University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Carleton College or Augustana University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Augustana University and Carleton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carleton College (1510) is 250 points higher than at Augustana University (1260).
• Incoming Carleton College students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 24 at Augustana University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 1450/1560; Augustana University 1150/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 32/34; Augustana University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carleton College - Test optional; Augustana University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carleton College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carleton College students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Augustana University (3.76).
• Augustana University has a higher acceptance rate (67.7%) than Carleton College (20.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Carleton College vs. 26.1% at Augustana University.

Carleton College vs. Augustana University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carleton College and Augustana University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Carleton College's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Augustana University's (65%).
• Graduates from Carleton College earn a median of about $18,800 more per year than Augustana University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,600 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carleton College graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Augustana University graduates ($19,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Carleton College graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Augustana University graduates ($201 vs. $279).
• More Carleton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Augustana University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 83%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.