Houghton College vs Carleton College
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of New York and Minnesota, Houghton College and Carleton College stand as two distinct beacons of higher education. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development, they offer unique experiences shaped by their contrasting backgrounds and priorities. Houghton College, rooted in Wesleyan tradition, emphasizes spiritual growth and service, while Carleton College, known for its liberal arts curriculum, fosters intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. As you embark on your college search, explore the nuances that set these institutions apart, from their acceptance rates and popular majors to student demographics and graduation outcomes. Discover which college aligns best with your academic aspirations, personal values, and future goals by delving into the comprehensive comparison table provided on this page.
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![]() Carleton College |
![]() Houghton College |
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Overview |
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Location | Northfield, Minnesota | Houghton, New York |
Campus setting | Town: Distant | Rural: Remote |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Trimester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 95.0% | 75.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Methodism | |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 17.5% | 79.1% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$40
Graduate:
$40
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SAT range | 1408 - 1550 | 1080 - 1290 |
ACT range | 31 - 35 | 20 - 31 |
Students submitting SAT score | 35.0% | 28.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 34.0% | 6.0% |
Total number of applicants | 7,915 | 1,008 |
Total number of admissions given out | 1,389 | 797 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 555 | 204 |
Yield rate | 40.0% | 25.6% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Not required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $78,315 | $27,846 |
Average net price | $31,718 | $24,502 |
Tuition | $59,850 | $15,900 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$8,115
Meal plan:
$7,260
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Room/dormitory:
$5,288
Meal plan:
$4,568
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
65.0%
Average amount $45,715 |
100.0%
Average amount $21,951 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
45.0%
Average amount $3,914 |
62.0%
Average amount $5,120 |
Students taking out private loans |
2.0%
Average amount $14,334 |
18.0%
Average amount $13,866 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
2,044
Men 48.7% Women 51.3% |
863
Men 37.2% Women 62.8% |
Graduate students | N/A |
32
Men 50.0% Women 50.0% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | 81.5% | N/A |
International students | 10.2% | 4.9% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Distant | Rural: Remote |
Dormitory capacity | 1,854 | 1,015 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | Yes | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Minnesota California Illinois New York Texas | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 8:1 | 12:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 91.4% | 64.6% |
Dropout rate | 8.3% | 13.2% |
Transferred out | N/A | 22.2% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Area Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees)
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (Bachelor's Degrees)
Physics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Area Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
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