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Carleton College vs University of Northwestern-St Paul

Carleton College is a private college in Northfield, MN. University of Northwestern-St Paul is a private university in Saint Paul, MN. Carleton College admits about 20% of applicants and University of Northwestern-St Paul about 93%, making Carleton College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $25,407 a year at Carleton College after aid, and about $27,705 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. About 90% of students graduate at Carleton College, compared with 68% at University of Northwestern-St Paul. Ten years after enrolling, Carleton College alumni earn a median of about $75,525, against $50,755 for University of Northwestern-St Paul.

Carleton College

Northfield, MN · Private

University of Northwestern-St Paul

Saint Paul, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Northfield, MN
Saint Paul, MN
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,086
1,442
Acceptance rate
20%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.56–4
3.15–3.65
SAT (middle 50%)
1450–1560
868–1271
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
20–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,407
$27,705
Full cost / yr
$84,893
$51,325
In-state tuition
$68,892
$37,920
Out-of-state tuition
$68,892
$37,920
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,881
$26,696
$30k - $48k
$8,203
$23,884
$48k - $75k
$9,680
$21,689
$75k - $110k
$18,485
$25,267
Over $110k
$44,082
$31,348
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
68%
Freshman retention
96%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,989
$47,544
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,525
$50,755
Median debt at graduation
$16,750
$21,325
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
16%
First-generation students
16%
16%
International students
10%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Aug 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 Northwestern-St Paul harder to get into?
Carleton College is harder to get into. It admits about 20% of applicants, compared with 93% at University of Northwestern-St Paul. 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 Northwestern-St Paul?
Carleton College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,407 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,705 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. 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 Northwestern-St Paul?
Before aid, University of Northwestern-St Paul costs about $51,325 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 Northwestern-St Paul?
Carleton College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,881 there, against about $26,696 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. 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 Northwestern-St Paul?
Carleton College is the larger of the two, with about 2,086 undergraduates against 1,442 at University of Northwestern-St Paul.
Does Carleton College or University of Northwestern-St Paul have a better graduation rate?
Carleton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 68% at University of Northwestern-St Paul.
Do graduates of Carleton College or University of Northwestern-St Paul earn more?
Carleton College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,525 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,755 for University of Northwestern-St Paul. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Carleton College and University of Northwestern-St Paul require SAT or ACT scores?
Carleton College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Northwestern-St Paul is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Carleton College and University of Northwestern-St Paul look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1450–1560 at Carleton College and 868–1271 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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