Chances of Getting Into Carleton College
Northfield, Minnesota • Private University • #8 National • Founded 1866
Carleton Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Carleton SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Carleton College
Carleton College is a top-10 liberal arts college in Northfield, Minnesota, known for its quirky campus culture, trimester system, and producing more PhDs per capita than almost any school in the country. Carls (as students call themselves) are famously nerdy, curious, and collaborative.
Top Programs
What Makes Carleton Unique
- Trimester system — 3 courses at a time for deep focus
- Among the top PhD producers per capita in the nation
- Quirky traditions including a bust of Schiller
- Extremely collaborative culture — students study together, not against each other
- Strong STEM for a liberal arts school with excellent research opportunities
Carleton Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Carleton Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Carleton: Admission Tips
Carleton wants intellectually playful students — show curiosity and humor
ED gives a boost, but Carleton also admits well in RD
The trimester system is unique — mention why deep immersion appeals to you
Show you'll contribute to the collaborative community
Research opportunities are a draw — mention specific professors or labs
The Brutal Truth About Carleton Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 15% acceptance rate, Carleton rejected over 7,820 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Carleton, having a 3.86 GPA and 1460 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Carleton doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Carleton genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 15%-acceptance-rate basket.
Carleton Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Carleton College?
Carleton College has an acceptance rate of 15% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 9,200+ applicants, approximately 525 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Carleton?
The average GPA of admitted students at Carleton College is 3.86. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.71, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Carleton?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Carleton students is 1400-1530. The average SAT score is 1460. For ACT, the range is 32-34 with an average of 33.
Is Carleton hard to get into?
Yes, Carleton College is very selective with an acceptance rate of just 15%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Carleton cost?
Tuition at Carleton College is $64,260 per year, with total cost of attendance at $82,100. However, 56% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $52,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Carleton?
Your chances of getting into Carleton College depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 15% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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