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Bethany Lutheran College vs Carleton College

Bethany Lutheran College is a private college in Mankato, 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 39% at Bethany Lutheran College. Bethany Lutheran College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,148 a year against $25,407 at Carleton College. About 90% of students graduate at Carleton College, compared with 57% at Bethany Lutheran College. Ten years after enrolling, Carleton College alumni earn a median of about $75,525, against $46,110 for Bethany Lutheran College.

Bethany Lutheran College

Mankato, MN · Private

Carleton College

Northfield, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Mankato, MN
Northfield, MN
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
669
2,086
Acceptance rate
39%
20%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–4
3.56–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1180
1450–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
21–26
32–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,148
$25,407
Full cost / yr
$41,013
$84,893
In-state tuition
$31,360
$68,892
Out-of-state tuition
$31,360
$68,892
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,571
$7,881
$30k - $48k
$16,564
$8,203
$48k - $75k
$17,233
$9,680
$75k - $110k
$20,099
$18,485
Over $110k
$24,961
$44,082
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
90%
Freshman retention
72%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,652
$53,989
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,110
$75,525
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$16,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
17%
First-generation students
Not reported
16%
International students
20%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 25
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 1
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 Bethany Lutheran College or Carleton College harder to get into?
Carleton College is harder to get into. It admits about 20% of applicants, compared with 39% at Bethany Lutheran College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bethany Lutheran College or Carleton College?
Bethany Lutheran College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,148 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 Bethany Lutheran College and Carleton College?
Before aid, Bethany Lutheran College costs about $41,013 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, Bethany Lutheran College or Carleton College?
Carleton College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,881 there, against about $12,571 at Bethany Lutheran College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bethany Lutheran College or Carleton College?
Carleton College is the larger of the two, with about 2,086 undergraduates against 669 at Bethany Lutheran College.
Does Bethany Lutheran College or Carleton College have a better graduation rate?
Carleton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 57% at Bethany Lutheran College.
Do graduates of Bethany Lutheran College or Carleton College earn more?
Carleton College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,525 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,110 for Bethany Lutheran College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bethany Lutheran College and Carleton College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bethany Lutheran College 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.
What SAT scores do Bethany Lutheran College and Carleton College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1180 at Bethany Lutheran College and 1450–1560 at Carleton College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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