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Carleton College vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Carleton College is a private college in Northfield, MN, and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a public university in Minneapolis, MN. Carleton College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 20% of applicants against 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,778 a year against $25,407 at Carleton College. About 90% of students graduate at Carleton College, compared with 85% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Ten years after enrolling, Carleton College alumni earn a median of about $75,525, against $69,020 for University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

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Carleton College

Northfield, MN · Private

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Northfield, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,086
31,855
Acceptance rate
20%
80%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.56–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1450–1560
1300–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
26–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,407
$16,778
Full cost / yr
$84,893
$30,061
In-state tuition
$68,892
$17,214
Out-of-state tuition
$68,892
$38,362
Application fee
$0
$55
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,881
$6,642
$30k - $48k
$8,203
$7,283
$48k - $75k
$9,680
$9,931
$75k - $110k
$18,485
$16,415
Over $110k
$44,082
$27,008
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
85%
Freshman retention
96%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,989
$57,984
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,525
$69,020
Median debt at graduation
$16,750
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
18%
First-generation students
16%
19%
International students
10%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities harder to get into?
Carleton College is harder to get into. It admits about 20% of applicants, compared with 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,778 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Before aid, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities costs about $30,061 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,642 there, against about $7,881 at Carleton College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Carleton College or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is the larger of the two, with about 31,855 undergraduates against 2,086 at Carleton College.
Does Carleton College or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities have a better graduation rate?
Carleton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 85% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Do graduates of Carleton College or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities earn more?
Carleton College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,525 ten years after enrolling, against about $69,020 for University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Carleton College and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities require SAT or ACT scores?
Carleton College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Carleton College and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1450–1560 at Carleton College and 1300–1500 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 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