Carleton College vs. Olin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Carleton College in Northfield, MN with Franklin W Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carleton College is larger than Olin College based on total student enrollment (2,128 students vs. 405 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carleton College is located in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting); Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is in Needham, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Carleton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carleton College 8:1; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 9:1.

Carleton College vs. Olin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carleton College or Olin College? 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 Olin College ($28,047 vs. $43,184).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carleton College are 15.5% lower than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($17,586 vs. $20,810).
• Carleton College is 3.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Olin College (about $2,494 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $66,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.8% higher at Carleton College than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (about $2,494 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $66,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering than at Carleton College (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carleton College students is 31.3% larger than aid received by Franklin W Olin College of Engineering students ($56,846 vs. $43,290).

Carleton College vs. Olin College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (1530) is 20 points higher than at Carleton College (1510).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 1450/1560; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 1493/1558.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carleton College - Test optional; Olin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carleton College Jan 15, 2027; Olin College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carleton College students have the same average high school GPA (3.9) as students at Olin College (3.9).
• Olin College has a higher acceptance rate (25.2%) than Carleton College (20.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Carleton College vs. 43.7% at Olin College.

Carleton College vs. Olin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carleton College and Olin College? 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).

• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Carleton College's (93%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates have a $4,790 lower median loan debt than Carleton College graduates ($14,710 vs. $19,500).
• Among borrowers, Olin College graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carleton College graduates ($152 vs. $201).

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.