Carleton College vs. St. Cloud State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Carleton College in Northfield, MN with Saint Cloud State University in Saint Cloud, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Cloud State University is larger than Carleton College based on total student enrollment (10,732 students vs. 2,128 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carleton College is located in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting); Saint Cloud State University is in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting).
• Carleton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carleton College 8:1; Saint Cloud State University 18:1.

Carleton College vs. St. Cloud State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carleton College or St. Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University than Carleton College ($14,735 vs. $28,047).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 39.7% lower than at Carleton College ($10,596 vs. $17,586).
• Carleton College is 572.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $58,647 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 572.4% higher at Carleton College than at Saint Cloud State University (about $58,647 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Cloud State University than at Carleton College (84% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carleton College students is 707.9% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($56,846 vs. $7,036).

Carleton College vs. St. Cloud State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Carleton College or St. Cloud State 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 St. Cloud State University and Carleton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carleton College (1510) is 370 points higher than at St. Cloud State University (1140).
• Incoming Carleton College students have a 12 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 21 at St. Cloud State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 1450/1560; Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 32/34; Saint Cloud State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carleton College - Test optional; St. Cloud State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carleton College Jan 15, 2027; St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carleton College students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than Carleton College (20.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Carleton College vs. 16.6% at St. Cloud State University.

Carleton College vs. St. Cloud State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carleton College and St. Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from Carleton College earn a median of about $18,900 more per year than St. Cloud State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,600 vs. $46,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carleton College graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than St. Cloud State University graduates ($19,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Carleton College graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Cloud State University graduates ($201 vs. $232).
• More Carleton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Cloud State University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 67%)

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.