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Carleton College vs Minnesota State University Moorhead

Carleton College is a private college in Northfield, MN, and Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public university in Moorhead, MN. Carleton College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 20% of applicants against 59% at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Minnesota State University Moorhead is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,997 a year against $25,407 at Carleton College. About 90% of students graduate at Carleton College, compared with 56% at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Ten years after enrolling, Carleton College alumni earn a median of about $75,525, against $50,527 for Minnesota State University Moorhead.

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Carleton College

Northfield, MN · Private

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Northfield, MN
Moorhead, MN
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,086
3,072
Acceptance rate
20%
59%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.56–4
3.46–3.96
SAT (middle 50%)
1450–1560
1080–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,407
$17,997
Full cost / yr
$84,893
$25,197
In-state tuition
$68,892
$10,428
Out-of-state tuition
$68,892
$10,428
Application fee
$0
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,881
$11,129
$30k - $48k
$8,203
$11,547
$48k - $75k
$9,680
$13,907
$75k - $110k
$18,485
$18,644
Over $110k
$44,082
$22,420
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
56%
Freshman retention
96%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,989
$45,873
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,525
$50,527
Median debt at graduation
$16,750
$20,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
28%
First-generation students
16%
20%
International students
10%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling

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 Carleton College or Minnesota State University Moorhead harder to get into?
Carleton College is harder to get into. It admits about 20% of applicants, compared with 59% at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Carleton College or Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Minnesota State University Moorhead is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,997 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 Carleton College and Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Before aid, Minnesota State University Moorhead costs about $25,197 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, Carleton College or Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Carleton College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,881 there, against about $11,129 at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Carleton College or Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Minnesota State University Moorhead is the larger of the two, with about 3,072 undergraduates against 2,086 at Carleton College.
Does Carleton College or Minnesota State University Moorhead have a better graduation rate?
Carleton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 56% at Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Do graduates of Carleton College or Minnesota State University Moorhead earn more?
Carleton College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,525 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,527 for Minnesota State University Moorhead. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Carleton College and Minnesota State University Moorhead require SAT or ACT scores?
Carleton College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Minnesota State University Moorhead is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Carleton College and Minnesota State University Moorhead look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1450–1560 at Carleton College and 1080–1290 at Minnesota State University Moorhead. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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