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 gives you a strong financial return with one clear caveat: your major matters more here than the school's overall reputation suggests. The median debt of $16,750 is low for a private four-year college, and a 91% graduation rate paired with 96% retention means you are very likely to finish and start earning without extra semesters draining your budget.
Computer science is the standout payoff. It clears $76,000 ten years out, roughly double what physics, math, chemistry, and political science graduates report. That gap is stark. If you plan to major in the sciences or social sciences outside of CS, the early-career earnings data here does not match the sticker price. Physics graduates at Carleton report under $43,000, and math under $38,000, though these low figures partly reflect that many Carleton grads in those fields head to graduate school rather than the job market, which suppresses the ten-year earnings snapshot.
The net price tiers are where Carleton earns its keep for lower-income families. If your family earns under $75,000, you pay around $11,000 to $12,000 a year, well below the $27,320 average. Above $110,000, you pay $41,028, close to full freight. The jump between the $48-75k tier and the $75-110k tier is steep, so middle-income families feel the cost sharply.
Carleton is a good financial fit if you qualify for the lower net-price tiers or you intend to major in computer science. If your family earns over $110,000 and you plan to study a field that funnels into low-paying early careers or graduate school, weigh whether the full price is worth it against cheaper alternatives. The debt load stays manageable across majors, which limits your downside risk even if earnings vary widely.
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.