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Carleton College vs Harvard University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Carleton College
#66
Carleton College
Northfield, MN
Private
Harvard University
#1
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Northfield, MN

Cambridge, MA

Total Enrollment

2,128

30,259

Undergrad Enrollment

2,128

8,844

Student-Faculty Ratio

8:1

7:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

20.4%

3.6%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1450–1560

1510–1580

ACT Range

32–34

34–36

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$85

Total Applicants

7,133

54,008


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$79,830

$73,849

Avg Net Price

$27,320

$16,816

Tuition (In-State)

$62,244

$52,659

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,244

$52,659

Room & Board

$17,586

$21,190

% Receiving Aid

59.0%

56.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$56,846

$68,015


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

92.0%

97.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

87.0%

Retention Rate

96.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$75,525

$101,817

More Comparisons
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Carleton is in Northfield, MN

Harvard is in Cambridge, MA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carleton College has an acceptance rate of 20%, while Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. This means Harvard University is more selective than Carleton College.

The average net price at Carleton College is $27,320 per year, compared to $16,816 at Harvard University. Harvard University is $10,504 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Carleton College typically score between 1450-1560 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Harvard University, 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 Harvard University has a graduation rate of 97%. Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Carleton College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, while Harvard University has a ratio of 7:1. Harvard University 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 Harvard University, 56% of students receive aid with an average grant of $68,015.

The median earnings for Carleton College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $75,525, compared to $101,817 for Harvard University graduates. Graduates from Harvard University 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. Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting.