Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 90.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 91.2%
- Retention Rate
- 95.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $75,525
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $16,750
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 92.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $178/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $18,254 |
| Physics. | Bachelor | $42,774 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $11,500 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $36,141 | $17,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $18,700 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,719 | |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $23,034 | $17,929 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $22,329 | $21,167 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $21,964 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $21,964 |
Outcomes Overview
Carleton graduates earn a median of $75,525 ten years after graduation, creating a healthy debt-to-earnings ratio of just 22% with typical debt of $16,750. Monthly loan payments of $178 represent only 2.4% of median income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The college's 91% six-year graduation rate and 94% employment rate reflect its strong career preparation. Liberal arts graduates often enter consulting, finance, education, and nonprofit work, with many pursuing graduate school. Notable alumni include economist Thorstein Veblen and Supreme Court Justice Pierce Butler. The 92% loan repayment rate demonstrates graduates' financial stability. Despite the high sticker price, Carleton delivers a strong return on investment.