Carleton College vs. EMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Carleton College in Northfield, MN with Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carleton College is larger than EMU based on total student enrollment (2,128 students vs. 1,154 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carleton College is located in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting); Eastern Mennonite University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Carleton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Mennonite University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carleton College 8:1; Eastern Mennonite University 9:1.

Carleton College vs. EMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carleton College or EMU? 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 Eastern Mennonite University than Carleton College ($25,021 vs. $28,047).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Mennonite University are 25.1% lower than at Carleton College ($13,170 vs. $17,586).
• Carleton College is 56.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than EMU (about $24,972 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $43,920.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.9% higher at Carleton College than at Eastern Mennonite University (about $24,972 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $43,920.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Mennonite University than at Carleton College (96% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carleton College students is 75.6% larger than aid received by Eastern Mennonite University students ($56,846 vs. $32,378).

Carleton College vs. EMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carleton College (1510) is 190 points higher than at EMU (1320).
• Incoming Carleton College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at EMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 1450/1560; Eastern Mennonite University 1040/1590.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 32/34; Eastern Mennonite University 25/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carleton College - Test optional; EMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carleton College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carleton College students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at EMU (3.7).
• EMU has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Carleton College (20.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Carleton College vs. 12.4% at EMU.

Carleton College vs. EMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carleton College and EMU? 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 Eastern Mennonite University's (66%).
• Graduates from Carleton College earn a median of about $21,700 more per year than EMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,600 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carleton College graduates have a $3,950 lower median loan debt than EMU graduates ($19,500 vs. $23,450).
• Among borrowers, Carleton College graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EMU graduates ($201 vs. $242).
• More Carleton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EMU students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 80%)

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.