Knox College vs. Carleton College

Comparable Facts

Compare Knox College in Galesburg, IL with Carleton College in Northfield, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carleton College is larger than Knox College based on total student enrollment (2,128 students vs. 1,136 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Knox College is located in Galesburg, IL (Distant Town setting); Carleton College is in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting).
• Knox College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carleton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Knox College 11:1; Carleton College 8:1.

Knox College vs. Carleton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Knox College or Carleton 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 Knox College than Carleton College ($25,709 vs. $28,047).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Knox College are 39% lower than at Carleton College ($10,728 vs. $17,586).
• Carleton College is 19% more expensive for in-state tuition than Knox College (about $10,989 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $57,903.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19% higher at Carleton College than at Knox College (about $10,989 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $57,903.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Knox College than at Carleton College (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carleton College students is 33.7% larger than aid received by Knox College students ($56,846 vs. $42,532).

Knox College vs. Carleton College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carleton College (1510) is 200 points higher than at Knox College (1310).
• Incoming Carleton College students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 26 at Knox College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Knox College 1180/1440; Carleton College 1450/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Knox College 21/32; Carleton College 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Knox College - Test optional; Carleton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Knox College Jan 15, 2027; Carleton College Jan 15, 2027.
• Knox College has a higher acceptance rate (70.8%) than Carleton College (20.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Knox College vs. 34.8% at Carleton College.

Knox College vs. Carleton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Knox College and Carleton 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).

• Carleton College's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Knox College's (78%).
• Graduates from Carleton College earn a median of about $22,500 more per year than Knox College graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,600 vs. $43,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carleton College graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Knox College graduates ($19,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Carleton College graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Knox College graduates ($201 vs. $279).
• More Carleton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Knox College students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 74%)

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.