Carleton College vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Carleton College in Northfield, MN with Fisk University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carleton College is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (2,128 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carleton College is located in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Carleton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carleton College 8:1; Fisk University 12:1.

Carleton College vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carleton College or Fisk 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 Fisk University than Carleton College ($18,595 vs. $28,047).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 17.3% lower than at Carleton College ($14,540 vs. $17,586).
• Carleton College is 166.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $43,034 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 166.4% higher at Carleton College than at Fisk University (about $43,034 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fisk University than at Carleton College (87% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carleton College students is 149.2% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($56,846 vs. $22,811).

Carleton College vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Carleton College or Fisk 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 Fisk University and Carleton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carleton College (1510) is 180 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming Carleton College students have a 12 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 1450/1560; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 32/34; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carleton College - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carleton College Jan 15, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carleton College students have a 0.8 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• Fisk University has a higher acceptance rate (37.4%) than Carleton College (20.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Carleton College vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Carleton College vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carleton College and Fisk 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 Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Carleton College earn a median of about $29,700 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,600 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carleton College graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($19,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Carleton College graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($201 vs. $268).
• More Carleton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 38%)

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.