College Comparison
Carleton College vs Columbia University in the City of New York
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Northfield, MN
New York, NY
Total Enrollment
2,128
35,173
Undergrad Enrollment
2,128
9,164
Student-Faculty Ratio
8:1
6:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
20.4%
4.0%
Average GPA
4.00
4.00
SAT Range
1450–1560
1510–1580
ACT Range
32–34
34–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$0
$85
Total Applicants
7,133
60,115
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$79,830
$79,569
Avg Net Price
$27,320
$22,000
Tuition (In-State)
$62,244
$61,989
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,244
$61,989
Room & Board
$17,586
$17,580
% Receiving Aid
59.0%
52.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$56,846
$67,010
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
88.0%
84.0%
Retention Rate
96.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$75,525
$102,491
More Comparisons
Compare Carleton with...
View Carleton profile →
Compare Columbia in the City of New York with...
View Columbia in the City of New York profile →
Explore by Location
Carleton is in Northfield, MN
Columbia in the City of New York is in New York, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Carleton College is $27,320 per year, compared to $22,000 at Columbia University in the City of New York. Columbia University in the City of New York is $5,320 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Carleton College typically score between 1450-1560 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Columbia University in the City of New York, the typical SAT range is 1510-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Carleton College has a graduation rate of 92%, while Columbia University in the City of New York has a graduation rate of 92%. Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Carleton College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, while Columbia University in the City of New York has a ratio of 6:1. Columbia University in the City of New York offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Carleton College, 59% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $56,846. At Columbia University in the City of New York, 52% of students receive aid with an average grant of $67,010.
The median earnings for Carleton College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $75,525, compared to $102,491 for Columbia University in the City of New York graduates. Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Carleton College is located in Northfield, MN in a town: distant setting. Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY in a city: large setting.

