Carleton College

10/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Northfield, MN
5.0 1 review

#1 Best Value in Minnesota

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

2,128

Location Northfield, Minnesota
Website carleton.edu
Type Private 4 Year
Setting Distant Town

Best Colleges Rank

#44

Size Small
Status Non-profit
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.

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Ratings

Carleton College is rated within the top 9% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 10 out of 10.

Overall Rating

10 out of 10
Academics

10 out of 10
Resources

10 out of 10
Outcomes

9 out of 10
Value

10 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for Carleton College within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Exceptional

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1450/1560
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 32/34

Acceptance Rate

20.4%

Applications Due Jan 15, 2027
Enrollment Rate 34.8%
Application Fee $0

Applicant Competition Very High

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$68,892

Costs for Carleton College
Fee		Cost
Tuition		$68,892
Books and Supplies		$938
Other Fees		$435
Room and Board		$17,586
Budget for Other Expenses		$1,788
Total One Year Cost		$89,639

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$65,600 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

93% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Carleton College are Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. 23% of students major in Social Sciences, 14% in Physical Sciences, and 10% in Visual and Performing Arts.