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Colleges / MN / Northfield
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Carleton College

Private nonprofit Northfield, MN · Town · Plains · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
90%
Graduation Rate
$75,525
Earnings (10yr)
$25,407
Net Price
20%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Carleton College has a tight-knit community of about 2,086 students, making it a great fit for those who thrive in smaller, focused environments. With an acceptance rate of just 20%, it attracts motivated learners who are serious about their education. You’ll find strong programs in areas like Social Sciences, Computer Science, Physical Sciences, Biology, and Psychology. This range reflects a commitment to academic excellence and fosters a culture of inquiry and engagement.

Looking at life after graduation, Carleton alumni enjoy impressive earning potential, with an average salary of $75,525 ten years post-graduation. This financial outcome highlights the value of a Carleton degree in the job market. The school also maintains a high graduation rate of 90%, indicating that students are supported throughout their journey, which can translate into better career opportunities down the line.

When considering the practical aspects, the net price after aid comes to $25,407, which is reasonable compared to many private institutions. Graduates leave with a median debt of $16,750, which is manageable for many. Those who thrive at Carleton often share a passion for learning, a willingness to engage with their community, and a drive to make the most of their college experience.

Rankings

How Carleton Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation90%Earnings 10yr$76KNet Price$25KRetention96%Median Debt$17KPell Grant Rate17%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$8K$0-30K$8K$30-48K$10K$48-75K$44K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%258.0%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%5294.5%MOBILITY136.62%

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,892
In-State Tuition
$68,892
Out-of-State
$25,407
Avg Net Price
$16,750
Median Debt
17%
Pell Grant Rate
43%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$7,881
Family Income $0–$30K
$8,203
Family Income $30K–$48K
$9,680
Family Income $48K–$75K
$44,082
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$53,989
6 Years After Entry
$70,720
8 Years
$75,525
10 Years
0.22x
Debt-to-Earnings
69%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$53,989 6yr $70,720 8yr $75,525 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

136.62%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
5294.5%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
258.0%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$152,000
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.78
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
17.2%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

1.456%
Inventor Rate
28
Total Patents
40
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 20%
Retention Rate 96%
SAT Average 1517
ACT Midpoint 33
SAT Range 1450–1560
ACT Range 32–34
Full-Time Faculty 87%
Faculty Salary (mo) $13,960
Diversity Index 0.70
First-Gen Students 16%

Top Programs

Social Sciences 20%
Computer Science & IT 16%
Physical Sciences 13%
Biology & Biomedical 9%
Psychology 8%
Mathematics & Statistics 8%
Visual & Performing Arts 6%
English & Literature 4%