At $27,320/yr net price, Carleton College graduates earn $75,525/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $41,525/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,320 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $109,280 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $75,525/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$41,525/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 91.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,069/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,350/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,999/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,900/yr |
| $110,001+ | $41,028/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
91.2% of students at Carleton College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Carleton College delivers strong financial returns despite its liberal arts focus, with graduates earning $75,525 ten years out while carrying manageable debt loads of $16,750. The school's 91% graduation rate means you're likely to finish what you start.
Computer science majors see the strongest payoff at $76,460 annually, making this program competitive with tech-focused universities. However, most other majors lag significantly behind the overall median. Physics graduates earn just $42,774, while chemistry majors make $36,141 despite similar debt burdens. Political science graduates face particularly weak returns at $33,993 with higher debt of $18,700.
Your biggest financial risk at Carleton is choosing the wrong major. The earnings gap between computer science and most liberal arts programs is substantial, and the Minnesota job market offers limited high-paying opportunities for many majors outside STEM fields.
Carleton makes financial sense if you're targeting computer science or can afford the premium for a strong liberal arts education without relying heavily on future earnings. The school's generous aid policies help, but only 14% of students receive federal aid, suggesting most families pay close to full price.
Avoid Carleton if you need strong financial returns from non-STEM majors or require significant merit aid. The school prioritizes need-based aid over merit scholarships, making it expensive for middle-income families who don't qualify for substantial need-based assistance but can't easily afford the net price of $27,320 annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carleton College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Carleton's $27,320 annual net price is reasonable for a selective liberal arts college, and graduates earn $75,525 after 10 years. The low median debt of $16,750 and 91% graduation rate make it a solid investment for students who can get in.
What are the highest paying majors at Carleton College?
Computer science graduates from Carleton earn $76,460 annually, making it the clear winner for ROI. Physics majors earn $42,774, while other popular majors like political science ($33,993) and chemistry ($36,141) pay significantly less.
How much debt do Carleton College graduates typically have?
Carleton graduates have a median debt of $16,750, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. With average earnings of $75,525 ten years out, most graduates can handle this debt load without major financial stress.
Does Carleton College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
Carleton's net price of $27,320 suggests decent financial aid, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. However, this still represents a significant investment that may not pay off for lower-earning majors outside of computer science.