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Carleton College vs Southern Methodist University

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

Carleton College
#66
Carleton College
Northfield, MN
Private
Southern Methodist University
#59
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Northfield, MN

Dallas, TX

Total Enrollment

2,128

12,116

Undergrad Enrollment

2,128

7,285

Student-Faculty Ratio

8:1

11:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

20.4%

63.4%

Average GPA

4.00

3.66

SAT Range

1450–1560

1340–1490

ACT Range

32–34

30–34

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$60

Total Applicants

7,133

15,245


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$79,830

$74,076

Avg Net Price

$27,320

$41,778

Tuition (In-State)

$62,244

$55,012

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,244

$55,012

Room & Board

$17,586

$19,064

% Receiving Aid

59.0%

67.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$56,846

$37,520


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

92.0%

82.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

75.0%

Retention Rate

96.0%

91.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$75,525

$78,354

More Comparisons
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Carleton is in Northfield, MN

Southern Methodist is in Dallas, TX

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carleton College has an acceptance rate of 20%, while Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. This means Carleton College is more selective than Southern Methodist University.

The average net price at Carleton College is $27,320 per year, compared to $41,778 at Southern Methodist University. Carleton College is $14,458 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Carleton College typically score between 1450-1560 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Southern Methodist University, the typical SAT range is 1340-1490. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Carleton College has a graduation rate of 92%, while Southern Methodist University has a graduation rate of 82%. Carleton College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Carleton College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, while Southern Methodist University has a ratio of 11:1. Carleton College 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 Southern Methodist University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $37,520.

The median earnings for Carleton College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $75,525, compared to $78,354 for Southern Methodist University graduates. Graduates from Southern Methodist 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. Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX in a suburb: large setting.