Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Northfield, Minnesota |
| Online | carleton.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Town |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Carleton College sits on an 1,040-acre campus in Northfield, Minnesota, a small town approximately 40 miles south of Minneapolis-St. Paul. Founded in 1866, the college features a mix of modern and historic buildings, including several Gothic-style structures centered around a central quadrangle, with the Cannon River winding along the eastern edge of campus. The private liberal arts institution maintains a highly selective admission process and is particularly recognized for its strong programs in mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences. Students are required to live in campus housing all four years, with accommodations ranging from traditional residence halls to interest-based living communities. The college operates on a unique trimester system, known as "terms," with students typically taking three courses per term.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Carleton College is rated within the top 9% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 10 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Carleton College within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#39 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#39 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#1 in Best Colleges in Minnesota
#1 in Best Private Colleges in Minnesota
#50 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#1 in Best Value Colleges in Minnesota
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1430/1550 |
| ACT | 32/35 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.9 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very High |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $938 |
| Other Fees | $390 |
| Room and Board | $15,990 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,788 |
| Total One Year Cost | $81,350 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 23% |
| Physical Sciences | 14% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 10% |
| Biology | 9% |
| English and Literature | 6% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Carleton College are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Carleton College.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=173258 IPEDS survey data for Carleton College.
Current students may use the Carleton College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024