Carleton College campus
Carleton College logo

Carleton College

Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale Town: Distant
Degrees offered Undergraduate
Calendar system Trimester
Student body size Small
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 1,854
Student to faculty ratio 8 to 1
Acceptance rate 18%
Students retention rate 95%
On-time graduation rate 92%

Located in Northfield, Minnesota, Carleton College is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate degrees. The college follows a trimester-based calendar system, dividing the academic year into three terms. This system offers students the opportunity to progress at an accelerated pace, allowing for more intensive coursework and faster programs completion.

The acceptance rate at Carleton College is 18%, indicating that the institution is quite selective in its admissions process. This can be seen as a positive aspect for those seeking a competitive and academically rigorous environment.

Carleton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 8-to-1, Carleton College emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

Carleton College boasts an impressive student retention rate of 95% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 72% and 74%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission
  • The institution provides on-campus housing
  • Freshman students are required to live on campus

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

17.5%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$60,225

Cost of attendance at Carleton College in 2022 for students from Minnesota.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Minnesota's average $11,262
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$60,225

Cost of attendance at Carleton College in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Minnesota's average $16,133
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 65 of freshman students at Carleton College received on average $45,715 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$45,715
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 78 17% $4,936 $385,032
Other Federal Grant 278 61% $3,819 $1,061,553
State Grant/Scholarships 35 8% $5,422 $189,787
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 294 65% $41,770 $12,280,348
Total Grant & Scholarships 296 65% $45,715 $13,531,688

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Carleton College students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Carleton College students is 91.4%. Female students graduated at a rate of 91.6%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 91.3%.

91.4%

  • asian 93.6% 29 students
  • African American 77.3% 17 students
  • white 94.6% 279 students
  • unknown 70.0% 7 students
  • hispanic 89.7% 35 students
  • International Students 86.9% 53 students
  • Mixed Race 87.9% 29 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
  • Baseball Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
  • Basketball Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
  • Track and Cross Country Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

Carleton College provides the following additional services to its students
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Carleton College offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad

Veteran Services

  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

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