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Carleton College vs St Olaf College

Carleton College is a private college in Northfield, MN, and St Olaf College is a private college in Northfield, MN. Carleton College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 20% of applicants against 48% at St Olaf College. St Olaf College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,874 a year against $25,407 at Carleton College. About 90% of students graduate at Carleton College, compared with 84% at St Olaf College. Ten years after enrolling, Carleton College alumni earn a median of about $75,525, against $65,543 for St Olaf College.

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Carleton College

Northfield, MN · Private

St Olaf College

Northfield, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Northfield, MN
Northfield, MN
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,086
3,093
Acceptance rate
20%
48%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.56–4
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1450–1560
1300–1470
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,407
$23,874
Full cost / yr
$84,893
$71,843
In-state tuition
$68,892
$59,760
Out-of-state tuition
$68,892
$59,760
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,881
$10,404
$30k - $48k
$8,203
$11,342
$48k - $75k
$9,680
$12,584
$75k - $110k
$18,485
$20,367
Over $110k
$44,082
$33,166
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
84%
Freshman retention
96%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,989
$48,373
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,525
$65,543
Median debt at graduation
$16,750
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
21%
First-generation students
16%
13%
International students
10%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 Carleton College or St Olaf College harder to get into?
Carleton College is harder to get into. It admits about 20% of applicants, compared with 48% at St Olaf 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, Carleton College or St Olaf College?
St Olaf College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,874 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 Olaf College?
Before aid, St Olaf College costs about $71,843 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 Olaf College?
Carleton College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,881 there, against about $10,404 at St Olaf College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Carleton College or St Olaf College?
St Olaf College is the larger of the two, with about 3,093 undergraduates against 2,086 at Carleton College.
Does Carleton College or St Olaf College have a better graduation rate?
Carleton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 84% at St Olaf College.
Do graduates of Carleton College or St Olaf College earn more?
Carleton College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,525 ten years after enrolling, against about $65,543 for St Olaf College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Carleton College and St Olaf College require SAT or ACT scores?
Carleton College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. St Olaf College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Carleton College and St Olaf College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1450–1560 at Carleton College and 1300–1470 at St Olaf College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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