About Carleton College
Carleton College attracts serious students who thrive in an intimate academic environment. The school enrolls 2,019 undergraduates in the small town of Northfield, Minnesota. Students follow a distinctive trimester system that allows for intensive focus on fewer courses at a time. The college has produced influential thinkers like economist Thorstein Veblen and Supreme Court Justice Pierce Butler. With only 16.63% of applicants admitted, Carleton draws high achievers who value intellectual curiosity over competition.
The financial picture looks favorable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $27,320, far below the $65,457 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $75,525 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $16,750 manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $178. Families earning under $75,000 pay around $11,000 annually, making this top education surprisingly accessible.
The student-faculty ratio of 8:1 means professors know their students well. Nearly 96% of freshmen return for sophomore year, reflecting strong satisfaction with campus life. The Knights compete in 15 Division III sports without athletic scholarships, emphasizing participation over recruitment. Students from Minnesota make up only 19% of the student body, creating a geographically diverse community.
The financial picture looks favorable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $27,320, far below the $65,457 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $75,525 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $16,750 manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $178. Families earning under $75,000 pay around $11,000 annually, making this top education surprisingly accessible.
The student-faculty ratio of 8:1 means professors know their students well. Nearly 96% of freshmen return for sophomore year, reflecting strong satisfaction with campus life. The Knights compete in 15 Division III sports without athletic scholarships, emphasizing participation over recruitment. Students from Minnesota make up only 19% of the student body, creating a geographically diverse community.
Academics & Faculty
Carleton operates on a unique trimester system that creates an intensive, fast-paced academic environment where students typically take three courses per term. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship in this liberal arts setting, contributing to a remarkable 91% four-year graduation rate. Students dive deep into subjects ranging from economics to geology, with the college particularly well-known for its strong science programs and modern curriculum. The trimester calendar allows for experiential learning opportunities between terms. With over 95% of students returning each year, the academic culture clearly resonates. Carleton's approach produces graduates who earn a median of $75,525 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of its rigorous liberal arts education.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 84.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 90.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 91.2%
- Retention Rate
- 95.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $75,525
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
| Physics. | Bachelor | $42,774 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $36,141 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,719 |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $26,353 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $23,034 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $22,329 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $21,964 |
Campus Life
Carleton's 955-acre campus sits in Northfield, Minnesota, about 45 minutes south of Minneapolis-St. Paul. With housing capacity for 1,840 students and total enrollment of 2,019, nearly everyone lives on campus all four years. Minnesota winters are serious business here - you'll need heavy coats, boots, and layers for temperatures that regularly drop below zero.
The trimester system creates an intense but manageable academic rhythm. Students take three courses per term, allowing deep focus on each subject. With a student-faculty ratio of 8:1, classes feel more like seminars than lectures. The 95.86% retention rate reflects students who genuinely love the quirky, collaborative culture. Weekends revolve around campus events, intramural sports among the 366 varsity athletes, and trips to the Twin Cities. The famous rivalry with nearby St. Olaf College peaks during the annual football game. Students embrace Carleton's offbeat traditions, from midnight frisbee games to the beloved campus food co-ops that supplement dining hall meals.
The trimester system creates an intense but manageable academic rhythm. Students take three courses per term, allowing deep focus on each subject. With a student-faculty ratio of 8:1, classes feel more like seminars than lectures. The 95.86% retention rate reflects students who genuinely love the quirky, collaborative culture. Weekends revolve around campus events, intramural sports among the 366 varsity athletes, and trips to the Twin Cities. The famous rivalry with nearby St. Olaf College peaks during the annual football game. Students embrace Carleton's offbeat traditions, from midnight frisbee games to the beloved campus food co-ops that supplement dining hall meals.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,840 beds
- Calendar System
- Trimester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1866
Campus Safety (2023)
91 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 23 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 13 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 8 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 4°–23°F
- July Avg
- 60°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 35.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 43.3"
Student Demographics
Carleton draws academically driven students from across the country, with over 80% coming from out of state. The student body of 2,019 reflects the college's national reputation for rigorous liberal arts education. Students typically score 1490 on the SAT and maintain a 96% retention rate. The relatively balanced gender split aligns with Carleton's broad liberal arts mission rather than any specialized focus. While tuition runs $65,457, the college attracts a socioeconomically diverse group through generous aid packages that average $46,821 for recipients.
- Men
- 49.5%
- Women
- 50.5%
- White
- 51.6%
- Black
- 6.8%
- Hispanic
- 10.0%
- Asian
- 10.5%
- In-State Students
- 19.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 14.0%
Location
Carleton sits in Northfield, Minnesota, about 40 miles south of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The town of 20,000 residents hosts two strong liberal arts colleges, creating a classic college town atmosphere in the rural Minnesota landscape. Carleton's 955-acre campus features the restored Cowling Arboretum, offering 800 acres of prairie, forest, and wetlands for outdoor recreation. The historic downtown provides restaurants and shops within walking distance of campus. Minnesota's harsh winters shape campus culture, with students embracing outdoor activities like cross-country skiing and ice skating. The Twin Cities offer internship opportunities and cultural attractions accessible by car or bus. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Carleton with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Northfield, Minnesota 55057
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $75,525
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $70,192
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 92.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $178/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $16,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Carleton College?
Carleton College accepts 16.63% of applicants, making it highly selective among liberal arts colleges. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1430-1550 on the SAT, reflecting the school's academic rigor.
How much does Carleton College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Carleton is $27,320, lower than the full cost of attendance of $83,105. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $12,069, while the college provides institutional grants averaging $46,821.
What makes Carleton College's academic program unique?
Carleton operates on a distinctive trimester system with three 10-week terms per year. The college maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for close mentoring relationships that define the liberal arts experience.
What do Carleton College graduates earn after graduation?
Carleton graduates earn a median salary of $75,525 ten years after graduation, with strong employment outcomes reflected in the 93.7% employment rate. The college achieves a 91.2% six-year graduation rate, well above the national average.
Where is Carleton College located and what is campus life like?
Carleton sits in Northfield, Minnesota, a small college town that fosters the tight-knit community the school is famous for. With 2,019 students and housing capacity for 1,840, nearly all students live on campus and develop strong bonds through the residential experience.
Does Carleton College offer athletic scholarships?
Carleton provides $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution that competes in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Knights field 15 varsity sports with 366 student-athletes who balance academics with competition at the highest amateur level.
