Carleton College vs. Case Western

Comparable Facts

Compare Carleton College in Northfield, MN with Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Case Western Reserve University is larger than Carleton College based on total student enrollment (12,475 students vs. 2,128 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carleton College is located in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting); Case Western Reserve University is in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting).
• Carleton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Case Western Reserve University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carleton College 8:1; Case Western Reserve University 9:1.

Carleton College vs. Case Western Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carleton College or Case Western? 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 Carleton College than Case Western ($28,047 vs. $44,000).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carleton College are 6.3% lower than at Case Western Reserve University ($17,586 vs. $18,762).
• Carleton College is 3.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Case Western (about $2,284 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $66,608.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.4% higher at Carleton College than at Case Western Reserve University (about $2,284 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $66,608.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Case Western Reserve University than at Carleton College (88% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carleton College students is 35.6% larger than aid received by Case Western Reserve University students ($56,846 vs. $41,913).

Carleton College vs. Case Western Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Carleton College or Case Western? 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 Case Western and Carleton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carleton College (1510) is 20 points higher than at Case Western (1490).
• Incoming Carleton College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 33) as students at Case Western (33).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 1450/1560; Case Western Reserve University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 32/34; Case Western Reserve University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carleton College - Test optional; Case Western - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carleton College Jan 15, 2027; Case Western Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carleton College students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Case Western (3.86).
• Case Western has a higher acceptance rate (36.5%) than Carleton College (20.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Carleton College vs. 11.9% at Case Western.

Carleton College vs. Case Western Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carleton College and Case Western? 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 Case Western Reserve University's (78%).
• Graduates from Case Western Reserve University earn a median of about $19,100 more per year than Carleton College graduates about ten years after starting college ($84,700 vs. $65,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carleton College graduates have a $4,566 lower median loan debt than Case Western graduates ($19,500 vs. $24,066).
• Among borrowers, Carleton College graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Case Western graduates ($201 vs. $248).
• More Carleton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Case Western students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 84%)

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.