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Bemidji State University vs Carleton College

Bemidji State University is a public university in Bemidji, MN, and Carleton College is a private college in Northfield, MN. Carleton College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 20% of applicants against 56% at Bemidji State University. Bemidji State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,261 a year against $25,407 at Carleton College. About 90% of students graduate at Carleton College, compared with 51% at Bemidji State University. Ten years after enrolling, Carleton College alumni earn a median of about $75,525, against $53,755 for Bemidji State University.

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Bemidji State University

Bemidji, MN · Public

Carleton College

Northfield, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Bemidji, MN
Northfield, MN
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,139
2,086
Acceptance rate
56%
20%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.6–4
3.56–4
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1450–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
32–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,261
$25,407
Full cost / yr
$22,744
$84,893
In-state tuition
$10,237
$68,892
Out-of-state tuition
$10,237
$68,892
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,073
$7,881
$30k - $48k
$10,207
$8,203
$48k - $75k
$12,201
$9,680
$75k - $110k
$15,857
$18,485
Over $110k
$19,940
$44,082
Outcomes
Graduation rate
51%
90%
Freshman retention
73%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,469
$53,989
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,755
$75,525
Median debt at graduation
$19,750
$16,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
17%
First-generation students
27%
16%
International students
2%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 25
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bemidji State University or Carleton College harder to get into?
Carleton College is harder to get into. It admits about 20% of applicants, compared with 56% at Bemidji State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bemidji State University or Carleton College?
Bemidji State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,261 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,407 at Carleton College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Bemidji State University and Carleton College?
Before aid, Bemidji State University costs about $22,744 a year and Carleton College about $84,893. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bemidji State University or Carleton College?
Carleton College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,881 there, against about $10,073 at Bemidji State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bemidji State University or Carleton College?
Bemidji State University is the larger of the two, with about 3,139 undergraduates against 2,086 at Carleton College.
Does Bemidji State University or Carleton College have a better graduation rate?
Carleton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 51% at Bemidji State University.
Do graduates of Bemidji State University or Carleton College earn more?
Carleton College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,525 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,755 for Bemidji State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bemidji State University and Carleton College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bemidji State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Carleton College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school