Carleton CollegeCarleton College
Northfield, MN · Midwest
- Acceptance rate
- 20.4%
- SAT mid-50
- 1450-1560
- Cost after aid
- $25,407
- Graduation rate
- 90%
About Carleton College
Carleton College is a very small private university in Northfield, MN, in a city setting.
What Carleton College looks for
With an acceptance rate around 20%, the application readers spend less time per file than they do at the most selective schools, but they still read. A solid GPA, strong letters, and an essay that sounds like you wrote it yourself go a long way here. The biggest unforced error: a generic supplement essay. Even moderately selective schools notice when you have not bothered to learn anything about them.
Frequently asked
What SAT score do I need for Carleton College?
Carleton College's middle 50% SAT range is 1450 to 1560. A score in or above that band keeps you in the conversation; below it, the rest of your application has to do more work.
What ACT score do I need for Carleton College?
Middle 50% ACT range is 32 to 34. The top of that range or above is what most admitted students submit when they choose to send a score.
What is the acceptance rate at Carleton College?
Carleton College admits roughly 20% of applicants. Selective, but stats inside the middle 50% put you in real contention.
What does Carleton College actually cost after financial aid?
Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $25,407 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.
Is Carleton College a reach, match, or safety for me?
Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat Carleton College as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.
