Carleton College
Carleton College at a Glance
Average SAT & ACT Scores for Carleton College
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading | 710 | 760 | 735 |
| SAT Math | 720 | 790 | 755 |
| SAT Total | 1430 | 1550 | 1490 |
| ACT Composite | 32 | 34 | 33 |
Admissions Funnel
| Applications Received | 6,464 |
| Students Admitted | 1,440 |
| Students Enrolled | 538 |
| Yield Rate | 37.4% |
Carleton College Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News Liberal Arts Colleges | #8 | 2025 |
Carleton College Overview
Carleton College is a private university in Northfield, MN with 2,106 students. The 22.3% acceptance rate means admission is competitive but achievable for strong students. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Computer Science, and Biological Sciences.
| Full Name | Carleton College |
| Location | Northfield, MN 55057 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | carleton.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 2,106 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 2,106 |
| Female Students | 50.5% |
Is Carleton College a Reach, Match, or Safety?
Carleton College accepts 22.3% of applicants, making it highly selective. Students with above-average GPAs and solid test scores (where applicable) are in Match territory. Below the median, consider it a Reach.
| Your Profile | Carleton College Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Above-average GPA + strong application | Match | Apply — worth the effort |
| Average GPA, some strengths | Reach | Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools |
| Below-average GPA | Hard Reach | Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates |
Popular Majors at Carleton College
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.
Student Demographics
How to Get Into Carleton College
Carleton is selective, but your odds are real if you meet the academic profile. Target a 1460+ SAT to be competitive. Strong essays and demonstrated interest can tip the scale at schools in this selectivity range.
What Carleton College Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Important |
| Standardized Test Scores | Considered |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Very Important |
| Extracurricular Activities | Important |
| Talent Ability | Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Considered |
| Interview | Important |
| Work Experience | Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Considered |
Carleton College Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Carleton College ED I/II admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Decision | Nov 15 |
| Early Decision II | Jan 15 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 15 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Carleton College
More About Carleton College
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Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Carleton College is not affiliated with DeepColleges.