Carleton College vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

Washington and Lee University is larger than Carleton College based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 2,128 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carleton College is located in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Carleton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carleton College 8:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Carleton College vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carleton College or Washington and Lee? 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 Washington and Lee University than Carleton College ($23,055 vs. $28,047).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carleton College are 5.9% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($17,586 vs. $18,685).
• Carleton College is 1.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington and Lee (about $847 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.2% higher at Carleton College than at Washington and Lee University (about $847 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington and Lee University than at Carleton College (64% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 12.5% larger than aid received by Carleton College students ($63,945 vs. $56,846).

Carleton College vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carleton College (1510) is 20 points higher than at Washington and Lee (1490).
• Incoming Carleton College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 33) as students at Washington and Lee (33).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 1450/1560; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 32/34; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carleton College - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carleton College Jan 15, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carleton College students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Washington and Lee (3.87).
• Carleton College has a higher acceptance rate (20.4%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Carleton College vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Carleton College vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carleton College and Washington and Lee? 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 Washington and Lee University's (91%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $23,400 more per year than Carleton College graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $65,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carleton College graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($19,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Carleton College graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($201 vs. $222).
• More Carleton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington and Lee students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 88%)

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.