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Bethel University vs Carleton College

Bethel University is a private university in Saint Paul, 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 88% at Bethel University. Carleton College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $25,407 a year against $28,556 at Bethel University. About 90% of students graduate at Carleton College, compared with 73% at Bethel University. Ten years after enrolling, Carleton College alumni earn a median of about $75,525, against $63,764 for Bethel University.

Bethel University

Saint Paul, MN · Private

Carleton College

Northfield, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Northfield, MN
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,871
2,086
Acceptance rate
88%
20%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.56–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1300
1450–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
32–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,556
$25,407
Full cost / yr
$58,569
$84,893
In-state tuition
$44,226
$68,892
Out-of-state tuition
$44,226
$68,892
Application fee
$30
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,218
$7,881
$30k - $48k
$22,279
$8,203
$48k - $75k
$20,071
$9,680
$75k - $110k
$24,963
$18,485
Over $110k
$33,155
$44,082
Outcomes
Graduation rate
73%
90%
Freshman retention
86%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$55,145
$53,989
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,764
$75,525
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$16,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
17%
First-generation students
19%
16%
International students
0%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 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 Bethel University or Carleton College harder to get into?
Carleton College is harder to get into. It admits about 20% of applicants, compared with 88% at Bethel 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, Bethel University or Carleton College?
Carleton College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,407 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,556 at Bethel University. 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 Bethel University and Carleton College?
Before aid, Bethel University costs about $58,569 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, Bethel University or Carleton College?
Carleton College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,881 there, against about $22,218 at Bethel University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bethel University or Carleton College?
Carleton College is the larger of the two, with about 2,086 undergraduates against 1,871 at Bethel University.
Does Bethel University or Carleton College have a better graduation rate?
Carleton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 73% at Bethel University.
Do graduates of Bethel 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 $63,764 for Bethel University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bethel University and Carleton College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bethel 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.
What SAT scores do Bethel University and Carleton College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1300 at Bethel University and 1450–1560 at Carleton College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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