Skip to content

Carleton College vs St Catherine University

Carleton College is a private college in Northfield, MN. St Catherine University is a private university in Saint Paul, MN. Carleton College admits about 20% of applicants and St Catherine University about 92%, making Carleton College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,764 a year at St Catherine University after aid, and about $25,407 at Carleton College. About 90% of students graduate at Carleton College, compared with 63% at St Catherine University. Ten years after enrolling, Carleton College alumni earn a median of about $75,525, against $59,282 for St Catherine University.

Carleton College

Northfield, MN · Private

St Catherine University

Saint Paul, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Northfield, MN
Saint Paul, MN
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,086
2,473
Acceptance rate
20%
92%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.56–4
3.12–3.62
SAT (middle 50%)
1450–1560
850–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
20–26
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,407
$19,764
Full cost / yr
$84,893
$60,476
In-state tuition
$68,892
$51,454
Out-of-state tuition
$68,892
$51,454
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,881
$17,890
$30k - $48k
$8,203
$15,190
$48k - $75k
$9,680
$15,451
$75k - $110k
$18,485
$19,376
Over $110k
$44,082
$27,021
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
63%
Freshman retention
96%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,989
$52,795
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,525
$59,282
Median debt at graduation
$16,750
$24,181
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
40%
First-generation students
16%
29%
International students
10%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jun 1

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 St Catherine University harder to get into?
Carleton College is harder to get into. It admits about 20% of applicants, compared with 92% at St Catherine 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, Carleton College or St Catherine University?
St Catherine University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,764 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 St Catherine University?
Before aid, St Catherine University costs about $60,476 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 St Catherine University?
Carleton College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,881 there, against about $17,890 at St Catherine University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Carleton College or St Catherine University?
St Catherine University is the larger of the two, with about 2,473 undergraduates against 2,086 at Carleton College.
Does Carleton College or St Catherine University have a better graduation rate?
Carleton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 63% at St Catherine University.
Do graduates of Carleton College or St Catherine University earn more?
Carleton College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,525 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,282 for St Catherine University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Carleton College and St Catherine University require SAT or ACT scores?
Carleton College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. St Catherine University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Carleton College and St Catherine University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1450–1560 at Carleton College and 850–1140 at St Catherine University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

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