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Carleton College

Northfield, MN·Private·~20% acceptance

Carleton College is a private college based in Northfield, MN. It is highly selective, admitting about 20% of applicants. The average net price after aid is about $25,407 per year. About 90% of students graduate, and alumni earn a median of about $75,525 ten years after enrolling.

Average cost
$25,407/yr avg net price after aid
Full cost $84,893
Aid cuts ~$59,486/yr on average

Average across all aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take the free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.

Deadlines
ED
Nov 15
EA
RD
Jan 15

ED and RD not confirmed with the college yet. Check their site before you rely on it.

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Your fit

Blueprint scores how well Carleton College matches your grades, budget, and preferences. New to Blueprint? Start with the Discovery quiz to find your best-fit majors first.

Admissions
GPA range3.56–4
SAT (middle 50%)1450–1560
ACT (middle 50%)32–34
Test policyTest optional
Programs
Computer Science
Data Science / Statistics
Information Systems / IT
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Environmental Science
Outcomes
90%
graduation rate
96%
freshman retention
$53,989
median earnings, 6yr
$75,525
median earnings, 10yr
How Carleton College reads an application

What Carleton College values

Very important
Course rigorClass rankApplication essaysRecommendationsTalent / abilityCharacter / personal qualities
Also considered
Test scoresInterviewFirst-generation statusAlumni relation (legacy)Geographic residenceVolunteer workWork experience

From Carleton College’s Common Data Set. Put your effort where it counts most.

What Carleton College requires

Required
Course rigorCollege-prep programRecommendationsApplication essaysTOEFL / English proficiency
Considered
Grades (GPA)Class rankTest scoresDemonstration of competenciesWork experienceAlumni relation (legacy)

From federal IPEDS data — what Carleton College requires vs considers (not how heavily each is weighed).

Frequently asked questions
What is Carleton College's acceptance rate?
Carleton College admits about 20% of applicants.
How much does Carleton College cost?
At Carleton College, the average net price after aid is about $25,407 per year, and the full cost of attendance is about $84,893 per year before aid. Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Carleton College?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1450–1560 on the SAT and 32–34 on the ACT.
What are Carleton College's application deadlines?
Carleton College's deadlines are Early Decision around Nov 15, Regular Decision around Jan 15. Always confirm exact dates on the school's official site.
What does Carleton College value most in applicants?
In its most recent Common Data Set, Carleton College rates Course rigor, Class rank, Application essays, Recommendations, Talent / ability, and Character / personal qualities as "very important" in admissions decisions. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see how your profile lines up.

See if Carleton College is a fit for you

Two free steps: find your best-fit majors with the Discovery quiz, then run the College Matchmaker for your real admission odds and net price at Carleton College, side by side with your other schools.