Carleton College, established in 1866, is a top liberal arts college in Minnesota known for academic rigor and quirky traditions. The college's trimester system allows intensive study across disciplines. Carleton's strengths include STEM, humanities, and off-campus study programs. The campus features the Weitz Center for Creativity and Cowling Arboretum.
Carleton's alumni include MacArthur ??enius grant winners and tech innovators. The college's collaborative culture and Minnesota's natural beauty inspire intellectual curiosity. Its blend of challenge and support defines the Carleton experience.
Carleton College Acceptance Rate
Carleton College is a renowned institution with a very competitive admission profile. The acceptance rate of 16.63% indicates that only 17 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
- Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
- Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2-3 key extracurricular activities.
While academics are a primary focus, Carleton College considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Carleton College Admission Requirements
Carleton College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Carleton College is 3.9. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.6 and 3.9, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
Carleton College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Extreme selectivity; requires elite academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: High Course Rigor (AP/IB/Honors) to validate the grade.
Admissions at Carleton College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.9, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.90 – 4.00 | Academic Target | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.70 – 3.89 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.50 – 3.69 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.49 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Carleton College, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Carleton College SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Carleton College Average SAT Score: 1486
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Carleton College is 1486 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1486 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1550 SAT or 35 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Carleton College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1430, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Carleton College. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 750 | 720 | 780 |
| SAT Reading | 740 | 710 | 770 |
| SAT Composite | 1486 | 1430 | 1550 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1430 then you are below most of the admitted students at Carleton College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1550 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1500
Can I get into Carleton College with a 1550 SAT?
With a 1550 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Carleton College are good but the admission staff at Carleton College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Carleton College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Carleton College is 34.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Carleton College Extremely Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do extremely well to score 34 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 32 | 29 | 34 |
| ACT English | 34 | 33 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 32 | 35 |
Can I get into Carleton College with a 35 ACT?
With a 35 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Carleton College are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 34.Carleton College Profile
Name: Carleton College
City: Northfield
State: Minnesota
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 55057
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At Carleton College, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
Does a degree from Carleton College Worth It?
Getting into Carleton College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Carleton College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Carleton College is USD: 71070.84 and unemployment rate is 3.23%.
How much does a degree from Carleton College Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Carleton College is USD: 78315. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Carleton College is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
13.99% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 44.86 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Carleton College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Carleton College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Carleton College as your choice in the form.
How much a Carleton College Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 75525. An average Carleton College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Carleton College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scripps College | Scripps College, CA | 1467 | 33 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL | 1440 | 32 |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | Tulane University of Louisiana, LA | 1443 | 32 |
| University of Maryland-College Park | University of Maryland-College Park, MD | 1461 | 32 |
| Boston University | Boston University, MA | 1454 | 33 |
| Brandeis University | Brandeis University, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| Smith College | Smith College, MA | 1455 | 33 |
| Hillsdale College | Hillsdale College, MI | 1440 | 32 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, MI | 1473 | 33 |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ | 1455 | 33 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Carleton College. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emory University | Emory University, GA | 1493 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA | 1480 | 33 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell College, IA | 1480 | 33 |
| Bates College | Bates College, ME | 1480 | 33 |
| Barnard College | Barnard College, NY | 1495 | 33 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Carleton College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey Mudd College | Harvey Mudd College, CA | 1539 | 35 |
| Pomona College | Pomona College, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| University of Southern California | University of Southern California, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| Yale University | Yale University, CT | 1547 | 34 |
| University of Chicago | University of Chicago, IL | 1532 | 35 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Archeology
- Area Studies
- Biology, General
- Chemistry
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Cognitive Science
- Computer Science
- Dance
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Frequently Asked Questions About Carleton College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $75525 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $78315 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Carleton College is 16.63 which is low, typically between 10% and 20%. Admission is very competitive, and a strong academic profile is necessary.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.9. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.6, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.6, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.6 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.5 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Carleton College if my GPA is below 3.5
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.9, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Carleton College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1486 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1430-1550
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Carleton College.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.