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Carleton College vs Northwestern University

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

Carleton College
#66
Carleton College
Northfield, MN
Private
Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Northfield, MN

Evanston, IL

Total Enrollment

2,128

23,856

Undergrad Enrollment

2,128

9,399

Student-Faculty Ratio

8:1

6:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

20.4%

7.7%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1450–1560

1510–1570

ACT Range

32–34

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$75

Total Applicants

7,133

49,474


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$79,830

$83,517

Avg Net Price

$27,320

$27,143

Tuition (In-State)

$62,244

$62,391

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,244

$62,391

Room & Board

$17,586

$21,126

% Receiving Aid

59.0%

53.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$56,846

$64,429


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

92.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

87.0%

Retention Rate

96.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$75,525

$89,363

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Carleton is in Northfield, MN

Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carleton College has an acceptance rate of 20%, while Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. This means Northwestern University is more selective than Carleton College.

The average net price at Carleton College is $27,320 per year, compared to $27,143 at Northwestern University. Northwestern University is $177 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Carleton College typically score between 1450-1560 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Northwestern University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Carleton College has a graduation rate of 92%, while Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%. Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Carleton College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, while Northwestern University has a ratio of 6:1. Northwestern 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 Northwestern University, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,429.

The median earnings for Carleton College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $75,525, compared to $89,363 for Northwestern University graduates. Graduates from Northwestern 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. Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting.